Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Amendment 37

Bering Sea crab stocks are currently at relatively low levels based on recent NOAA Fisheries bottom trawl surveys. Crab fisheries have been impacted by these low stock sizes. No Bristol Bay red king crab fishery occurred in 1994 or 1995, and harvests of Tanner and snow crabs have been much reduced. In January 1995, the Council initiated analysis of several proposals designed to reduce impacts of trawling on crab stocks and thus promote rebuilding of crab resources. The Council adopted three management measures for the current crab bycatch management regime for Bering Sea trawl fisheries.