The Council reviewed a discussion paper on groundfish bycatch management measures for the Bristol Bay red king crab stock. The paper summarized existing measures for BBRKC prohibited species catch (PSC) in groundfish fisheries as well as what data is available on PSC levels, accrual toward current PSC limits, observed data and current or planned research to evaluate efficacy of existing management measures. The Council moved to request the Crab Plan Team evaluate effects of total red king crab bycatch in the groundfish fisheries on MSST, OFL, ABC, and TAC during the May Crab Plan Team meeting and report back to the Council in June. Staff contact for BSAI crab bycatch issues is Diana Stram.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council
Managing our Nation's Fisheries off the Coast of Alaska
