The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reallocating the projected unused amount (1,500 metric tons) of Pacific cod from catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using pot gear to catcher/processors (C/Ps) using pot gear, catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear, and catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
The following table summarizes the reallocation in metric tons:
| PACIFIC COD | CURRENT SHARE | THIS ACTION | REVISED SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catcher Vessels >= 60 feet LOA Using Pot Gear | 15,389 | - 1,500 | 13,889 |
| Catcher/Processors Using Pot Gear | 4,844 | + 155 | 4,999 |
| Catcher Vessels < 60 feet LOA Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear | 9,071 | + 200 | 9,271 |
| Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear | 106,444 | + 1,145 | 107,589 |
This information bulletin only provides notice of a fishery management action. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this action, you are advised to see the actual text of the action in the Federal Register. This action is necessary to allow the 2017 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(a)(7)(iii)(A) and 50 CFR 679.20(a)(7)(iii)(B). This action does not imply any change in the status of the fisheries.
