Biological Opinion on the Authorization of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries and the Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries
November 30, 2000
Biological opinion to determine whether the BSAI or GOA groundfish fisheries jeopardize the continued existence of listed species in the areas affected by the fisheries (i.e., the action areas) or adversely modify critical habitat of such species.
In compliance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries completed this biological opinion consulting on the authorization of groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) region under the Fishery Management Plan for the BSAI Groundfish, and the authorization of groundfish fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) under the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA. This opinion is comprehensive in scope. It considers the fisheries and the overall management framework established by the respective fishery management plans to determine whether that framework contains necessary measures to ensure the protection of listed species and critical habitat. The opinion determines whether the BSAI or GOA groundfish fisheries, as implemented under the respective fishery management plans, jeopardize the continued existence of listed species in the areas affected by the fisheries (i.e., the action areas) or adversely modify critical habitat of such species.
Action Agency: NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division
NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-2000-978