Publications

On September 1, 2003, the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) completed the twenty-fourth annual longline survey of Alaska sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) resources of the upper continental slope (Figure 1). This survey was designed to continue the time series (1979-94) of the Gulf of Alaska portion of the Japan-U.S. cooperative longline survey that was discontinued after 1994. The NMFS has surveyed the Gulf of Alaska annually since 1987, the eastern Aleutian Islands biennially since 1996, and the eastern Bering Sea biennially since 1997. The Gulf of Alaska and eastern Bering Sea were sampled in 2003.

To gain a better understanding on the use and importance of nearshore habitats as essential fish habitat (EFH), we compared fish assemblages between two distinct habitat types (eelgrass, Zostera marina, and kelp, mostly Laminaria saccharina) at 30 sites..

An error in the spreadsheets used to calculate gross first wholesale revenues associated with the alternatives has been corrected.

These HCPs, referred to collectively as the Mid-Columbia HCP, are for three hydropower projects covering more than 100 river miles on the mainstem of the mid-Columbia River.

Biological opinion based on our review of the proposed vessel quota and operating requirements in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

An assessment of underwater setting technologies.

The stock of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska, declined by greater than 50 percent between 1994 and 1999 resulting in a depleted determination under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The NOAA Fisheries believes that the subsistence harvest of these whales was the principal factor in the decline.

Pursuant to section 5.05(b), I have determined that the subject proposed rule is categorically excluded from further NEPA analysis according to the criteria for categorical exclusions established in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Administrative Order 216-6 (NAO 216-6), which sets out the criteria for categorical exclusions for fishery management plans (FMPs) and plan amendments. Paragraph (a)(3)(b)(1) of NAO 216-6 states that a management plan amendment may be categorically excluded from further NEPA analysis if the action is an amendment or change to a previously analyzed and approved action and if the proposed change has no effect individually or cumulatively on the human environment.

Analysis of alternative actions to address the issue of the improved retention and improved utilization (IR/IU) of yellowfin sole and rock sole in BSAI groundfish fisheries and shallow-water flatfish in GOA groundfish fisheries (Flatfish IR/IU).

This supplement to the 2001 Biological Opinion is a focused response to issues outlined by the Court, and the memo by James Balsiger. It does not incorporate information or analyses on ancillary issues surrounding the Steller sea lion decline.