Biological Opinion on Authorization of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries

This opinion fulfills the section 7 requirements for consultation on authorization of groundfish fisheries in 1999 under the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fishery management plan and based on 1999 TAC specifications, and authorization of groundfish fisheries in 1999 under the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fishery management plan and based on 1999 TAC specifications. Section 7 regulations allow a formal consultation to encompass a number of similar actions within a given geographic area or a segment of a comprehensive plan (50 CFR 402.14). Consistent with this regulatory provision and for purposes of efficiency, these two actions are being summarized in a single biological opinion.

Much of this opinion focuses on the potential effects of these fisheries on the endangered western population of Steller sea lions. The Steller sea lion was listed as threatened in 1990. On April 18, 1991, NOAA Fisheries issued two biological opinions on the groundfish fisheries off Alaska pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended. The first biological opinion was prepared on the effects of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the BSAI Management Area, and the second opinion was prepared on the effects of the FMP for the GOA groundfish fisheries. Both opinions concluded that the fisheries were not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the Steller sea lion.

Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division

NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-1999-23