EA/RIR/FRFA for a Regulatory Amendment to Limit Access by Federally-Permitted Vessels to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pacific Cod Parallel Waters Fishery

This Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis examines the environmental, economic, and socioeconomic aspects of the proposed Federal action. 

The action would make changes to the Federal Fisheries Permit and License Limitation Program (LLP) requirements for operators of pot and hook-and-line catcher processors who participate in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod parallel waters fisheries. Specifically, the action would preclude vessel operators in the specified sectors from participating in the BSAI Pacific cod parallel waters fishery if they do not have an LLP license with an Amendment 67 Pacific cod endorsement and the appropriate area Bering Sea or Aleutian Islands endorsement. It would also prevent vessels from surrendering a Federal Fisheries Permit or removing endorsements on a Federal Fisheries Permit to avoid federal recordkeeping and reporting, vessel monitoring systems, and observer requirements.

Amendment 67 was implemented in 2003, and was intended to limit participation with hook-and-line and pot gear in the fully utilized BSAI Pacific cod fishery. Amendment 67 was implemented by issuing LLP endorsements for exclusive participation in the hook-and-line and pot gear BSAI Pacific cod fisheries by long-time participants.