🎣New Regulations for Longline Pot Gear in Greenland Turbot Fishery
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone; Authorizing Hook-and-Line Catcher/Processors To Use Longline Pot Gear in the Bering Sea Greenland Turbot Fishery
Summary
NMFS issues regulations authorizing hook-and-line catcher/ processors (C/Ps) to use longline pot gear when directed fishing for Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea (BS) subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI). This action is necessary to improve efficiency, provide economic benefits for the hook-and-line C/P sector, and minimize potential fishery interactions with killer whales. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), and other applicable laws.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The regulation introduces compliance requirements for hook-and-line catcher/processors using longline pot gear for Greenland turbot fishing, affecting operational practices and reporting needs. This can influence business operational costs and revenue potential as it aims to restore fishing participation and efficiency amid whale depredation issues.