Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Modifying Existing Chinook and Chum Salmon Savings Areas, Amendment 84 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

These regulations established closure areas in areas and at times when salmon bycatch had been highest, based on historical observer data. Information from the fishing fleet indicates that bycatch may be exacerbated by the current regulatory closure regulations, as much higher salmon bycatch rates are reportedly encountered outside of the closure areas. Some of these bycaught salmon include Chinook and chum stocks of concern, originating from western Alaska. Further, the closure areas impose increased costs on the pollock fleet and processors. To address this problem, the Council will consider other means to control salmon bycatch that are potentially more flexible and adaptive, but still meet Council intent to minimize impacts on eastern Bering Sea salmon.