Overview
Title
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people in charge of the ocean have decided that too many fish called Pacific cod were being caught using pots in one part of Alaska, so they made a rule that says no more of those fish can be caught for now. This helps make sure there aren't too few fish left in the sea for next time.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a temporary rule to close directed fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This closure is necessary to ensure the total allowable catch for the 2021 A season is not exceeded. The rule is effective from February 3, 2021, until June 10, 2021, as the limit of 1,060 metric tons has been reached, with an additional 8 metric tons reserved for bycatch. This action is based on the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), outlines a temporary rule that prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This decision aims to prevent exceeding the total allowable catch (TAC) during the A season of 2021. Effective from February 3, 2021, to June 10, 2021, this closure is primarily rooted in newly available data suggesting that the limit of 1,060 metric tons has been reached, with 8 metric tons set aside for bycatch.
General Summary
This temporary rule affects vessels involved in Pacific cod fishing using pot gear in the Gulf of Alaska. The closure aims to ensure compliance with the established TAC for the fishing season, safeguarding fishery sustainability and resource management under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A prominent issue with this document is the lack of transparency regarding the data that prompted this immediate action. The document indicates that the decision was based on recent data yet does not disclose specifics about these data or precisely why they necessitated a rapid response. This opacity can raise concerns among stakeholders who rely on understanding the specifics of fishery management decisions.
Additionally, the procedural aspect of waiving the notice and comment period might be contentious. While NMFS determined it was impractical to allow public commentary, the document provides limited explanation of the exact circumstances or data influencing this determination. This could lead some to question whether adequate consideration was given to public involvement and feedback.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the regulation may seem relatively distant. However, it forms part of broader efforts to sustainably manage fisheries, ensuring that fish populations remain viable for future generations. Sustainable fishery management practices are crucial in maintaining ecological balance and providing long-term economic benefits.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The fishing industry and local communities within the Gulf of Alaska are directly impacted by this temporary closure. Fishermen using pot gear are most affected due to the sudden restriction, which may lead to economic hardship—especially for those who depend heavily on Pacific cod during the early months of the year. Conversely, this regulation aims to protect the broader interests of all stakeholders in the fishery by enforcing sustainable harvesting levels.
On a positive note, adhering to TAC limits helps preserve fish stocks, potentially leading to long-term benefits for the fishing community by preventing overfishing and ensuring future availability of the resources. However, the sudden nature of the closure may strain relationships and trust between the governing bodies and the local communities, highlighting the importance of communication and transparency in regulatory actions.
In conclusion, while the rule intends to preserve Pacific cod populations, its immediate implementation raises concerns about transparency and stakeholder engagement, affecting both fishing operations and local economies in the Gulf of Alaska.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information on how the decision to prohibit fishing was made beyond stating it was based on recent data. Transparency in data might be helpful.
• The document notes that the notice and opportunity for public comment were waived due to impracticability, but it does not elaborate on what specific data or circumstances necessitated immediate action.
• The effective date of the rule is very close to the publication process, which may not allow sufficient time for stakeholders to adjust or seek clarification.
• There is no mention of any impact assessment on the fishing industry or local communities due to this closure; understanding such impacts could be important for stakeholders.