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DOC/NOAA

RIN: 0648-BD48

Publication ID: Spring 2015

Title: Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska to Establish Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limits for the Non-pollock Trawl Fisheries
Abstract: This rule limits Chinook salmon prohibited species catch in the Western and Central Gulf of Alaska non-pollock trawl fisheries. Chinook salmon is a fully utilized species in Alaska coastal subsistence, recreational, and commercial fisheries. In recent years the returns of Chinook salmon to some Alaska river systems have been below the biological escapement goals established by the State of Alaska. This action is necessary to minimize the catch of Chinook salmon to the extent practicable in the Gulf of Alaska non-pollock trawl fisheries.This action would limit the annual Chinook salmon prohibited species catch in the non-pollock trawl fisheries to 7,500 salmon each year. If a sector reached its Chinook salmon prohibited species limit, further directed fishing for groundfish by vessels in that sector and season would be prohibited. Vessel operators would be required to retain salmon until the number of salmon has been determined by the vessel or plant observer and the observers data collection has been completed. About 70 vessels could be affected by this action. This action could reduce revenues from the fisheries, if the Chinook salmon prohibited species limit is reached before the groundfish quota is harvested. The action also may increase costs if vessel operators move fishing operations or take other actions to lower their catch of Chinook salmon.
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)	Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Notice	06/05/2014	79 FR 32525
NPRM	06/25/2014	79 FR 35971
Final Action	12/00/2015

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes
Agency Contact: James Balsiger Regional Administrator, Alaska Region Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Phone:907 586-7221 Email: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov