Halibut Abundance-Based PSC Management

The Council reviewed a discussion paper on development of abundance-based approaches for BSAI halibut PSC limits.  This builds upon previous work to provide the information necessary for the Council to develop abundance-based PSC limit alternatives for analysis.  Following review of some specific aspects of the indices and plans for the next discussion paper, the Council moved to provide additional direction for the expanded discussion paper for October. Specific direction on limiting the set of abundance indices, providing an illustrative starting point and shape of control rule and other directions for inclusion in the paper were provided by the Council motion.  The full Council motion is posted on the website.  An expanded discussion paper will be provided for the October Council meeting to facilitate selection of alternatives for this abundance-based approach for BSAI PSC limits.  The paper will be available by the end of August for review.  Staff contact is Diana Stram.