NOAA Fisheries announces the publication of the proposed rule for Amendment 30 and the 2023-2024 groundfish harvest specifications and management measures. A draft environmental assessment analyzing the potential effects of the proposed rule is also available for public review.
Additionally, through this proposed rule, we announce the receipt of exempted fishing permit applications. NOAA Fisheries has made a preliminary determination that these applications warrant further consideration and we request public comment on these applications.
You may submit a formal comment on the proposed rule, draft environmental assessment, and experimental fishing applications through November 14, 2022.
Please visit our website for more information.
What does this rule propose?
This proposed rule would:
- Establish the 2023-2024 harvest specifications for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California;
- Revise management measures intended to keep the total annual catch of each groundfish stock or stock complex within the annual catch limits; and
- Make minor corrections to the regulations.
These proposed measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
This action, if approved, would also implement portions of Amendment 30 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, which would:
- Specify a shortbelly rockfish catch threshold to initiate Council review;
- Extend the length of the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary season;
- Change the use of Rockfish Conservation Area boundaries;
- Expand the use of Block Area Closures to control catch of groundfish; and
- Correct the definition of Block Area Closures.
Questions?
Contact Brian Hooper, Fishery Management Specialist, at (206) 526-6117.
