Biological Opinion on Authorization of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries
December 22, 1998
Authorization of BSAI groundfish fisheries based on total allowable catch (TAC) specifications recommended by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for 1999; and Authorization of GOA groundfish fisheries based on TAC specifications recommended by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for 1999. NMFS Consultation Number: AKR-1999-23
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.
Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division