Under 60′ small vessel
The Council evaluated the initial review draft of the Bering Sea Aleutian Island (BSAI) small vessel access analysis and selected a preliminary preferred alternative. After receiving the presentation on the analysis, public comment, and recommendations from the Science and Statistical Committee and the Advisory Panel, the Council revised the purpose and need statement to align the action more closely with the identified problem. Increased participation in the less than 60’ hook-and-line (H&L) or pot catcher vessel (CV) sector and decreasing BSAI Pacific cod TACs resulting in lesser reallocations from other sectors have resulted in shortened seasons for the sector.
At this meeting, the Council also selected a preliminary preferred alternative to redefine the BSAI Pacific cod jig sector to include H&L or pot CVs less than or equal to 55’ length overall and to keep the jig sector’s B-season as a jig-only fishery. The proposed action could provide stability and additional opportunities for fishery participants with smaller H&L or pot CVs operating in the BSAI Pacific cod less than 60’ H&L or pot CV sector by redefining the jig sector to include them.
Staff contact is Kate Haapala.
