2009 Alaska Groundfish Vulnerability Analysis

April 29, 2009

The implementation of new National Standard guidelines published by NOAA Fisheries in 2009 requires the classification of fish stocks in a fishery management plan (FMP). Target stocks, as well as non-target stocks that are caught incidentally in large numbers, are considered to be “in the fishery”. Annual catch limits (ACLs) are required for these stocks. Fishery management councils have the option of designating a second category of less-impacted stocks, “Ecosystem Components” (EC), for which ACLs are not required. However, these stocks are monitored and councils may adopt management measures designed to limit incidental catches of EC stocks.