Changes to Pacific Coast Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas and Boundaries of the Trawl Gear Rockfish Conservation Area, Amendment 28 Final Environmental Impact Statement
July 26, 2019
NMFS will make a decision regarding an Amendment to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), Amendment 28. This action was recommended by the Council and could change where bottom trawl fishing and bottom contact gear fishing is allowed off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.
The Council recommended changes to the essential fish habitat conservation areas, adjustments to the groundfish trawl rockfish conservation area, and use of MSA authorities to prohibit bottom contact fishing activities in waters deeper than 3,500 meters. NMFS’ determination on whether these changes are consistent with applicable laws is the federal action requiring National Environmental Policy Act compliance. The analysis within the environmental impact statement informs NMFS, fishermen, and the public about the current and anticipated direct, indirect and cumulative environmental effects of Amendment 28 to the FMP.