Catch Adjustment Proposed in the Gulf of Alaska

7/18/06

Juneau, Alaska

NOAA Fisheries is proposing to reduce the total allowable catch (TAC) for the "other species" complex in the Gulf of Alaska to 4,500 mt annually. "Other species" in this fishery management plan include sculpins, capelin, sharks, skates, smelts and octopus. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's recommendation in December 2005 was based on the Gulf of Alaska Plan Team's 4,000 mt estimate of the annual incidental catch of "other species" in the targeted groundfish and Pacific halibut fisheries, the Council's Advisory Panel's recommendation, and public testimony. A 4,500 mt TAC for the "other species" complex would allow for incidental catch needs and a small directed fishery for "other species" of approximately 500 mt each year.

Comments on this proposed rule may be sent to 2006AKGOA.tacspecs@noaa.gov , no later than August 10.

For more information, contact Tom.Pearson@noaa.gov.