Revisions to the Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area Groundfish Fisheries - Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review

The western distinct population segment (WDPS) of Steller sea lion is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The species population in the Aleutian Islands is declining. Atka mackerel and Pacific cod are principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the Aleutian Islands. This proposed action would revise management of the Atka mackerel and Pacific cod fisheries to ensure the effects of these fisheries are not likely to result in jeopardy of extinction or adverse modification or destruction of critical habitat for the WDPS of Steller sea lions.