Final Environmental Impact Statement Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for Groundfish Fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
May 06, 2014
This environmental impact statement provides an evaluation of the environmental, social, and economic effects of alternatives to the Steller sea lion protection measures for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, in particular the Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock fisheries in the Aleutian Islands.
The western distinct population segment (WDPS) of Steller sea lions is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The population in portions of the Aleutian Islands is declining. Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock are principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the Aleutian Islands. This proposed action would implement Steller sea lion protection measures for the Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock fisheries to mitigate the potential fishery impacts on the WDPS of Steller sea lions. This document addresses the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.