Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for a Regulatory Amendment to Revise Harvest Regulations Associated with the Community Development Quota Fisheries in Accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act
November 01, 2011
Evaluation of a revision to Harvest Regulations Associated with the Community Development Quota Fisheries.
This Assessment/Review/Analysis evaluates the environmental effects of different alternatives to modify fishery management regulations for the Community Development Quota (CDQ) fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Costs and benefits are also evaluated.
Proposed changes to 50 CFR part 679 include revising CDQ regulations associated with:
- fisheries observer coverage requirements
- bycatch retention
- vessel licensing
- reporting requirements
The purpose of these proposed changes is to ensure that the regulations are no more restrictive than those in effect for comparable individual fishing quota fisheries and fisheries managed with cooperatives. These proposed changes are necessary to comply with the requirements of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006.