Overview
Title
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is telling big fishing boats that use special hooks not to catch a fish called Pacific cod in a certain part of Alaska for a while. They are doing this to make sure there are enough fish left for the future.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA, has announced a temporary rule prohibiting fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 50 feet or longer using hook-and-line gear in a part of the Gulf of Alaska. This rule is in place from March 17 to June 10, 2025, to ensure the fishing limit, known as the Total Allowable Catch, isn't exceeded. The NMFS decided not to allow public comment on this rule due to the urgent need to act on new fisheries data. The goal is to make sure fishing stays sustainable in the area.
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question announces a temporary fishing regulation by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This order specifically addresses the fishing of Pacific cod by catcher vessels measuring 50 feet or longer and utilizing hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The fishing prohibition runs from March 17 to June 10, 2025, and is intended to prevent exceeding the established limit, known as the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), for this fishery segment. The urgency of the situation, due to newly available fisheries data, led NMFS to bypass the usual process of public notice and comment.
General Summary
The regulation impacts how Pacific cod can be harvested in a specific region of the Gulf of Alaska. The primary purpose is to safeguard the fishery's sustainability by ensuring that the allowable catch limit is not surpassed within the designated period. This decision comes under the broader management practices outlined in the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise concerning the clarity and accessibility of the document:
Technical Jargon: The use of terms like "HAL gear" (hook-and-line gear) and "A season allowance," without elaboration, might confuse those not familiar with fishery management specifics. Regulations such as § 679.20(d)(1)(i) and § 679.20(e) and (f) are mentioned but not explained in detail, making it challenging for the public to grasp the full context.
Lack of Public Commentary: The phrase "good cause to waive prior notice and an opportunity for public comment" suggests urgency, yet it stops short of fully explaining why circumventing the standard procedure was essential. This lack of transparency could lead to questions about whether the decision-making process was appropriately rigorous.
Complexity: The document's dense language and numerous regulatory references may render it inaccessible to individuals who are not stakeholders or experts in this field.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The broader public might not feel a direct impact from this temporary rule, except for a general understanding that it aims to maintain ecosystem balance and ensure responsible resource use. However, stakeholders in the fishing industry, notably those operating catcher vessels using hook-and-line gear in the specified region, will be directly affected.
Positive Impact
- Sustainability: For the fishing industry, adhering to catch limits ensures long-term viability. If Pacific cod stocks are maintained at sustainable levels, this benefits both ecological health and economic stability over the longer term.
Negative Impact
- Economic Effects: In the short term, fishers may face economic challenges due to this closure, especially if their livelihoods heavily depend on the affected catch type and method. The inability to fish within this timeframe could lead to financial strain for these specific businesses or workers.
In conclusion, while this regulatory action aims to preserve marine resources sustainably, its execution raises transparency concerns and places immediate economic pressure on some industry participants. Balancing environmental goals with economic impacts remains a challenging but necessary aspect of resource management.
Issues
• The document uses technical terms and acronyms such as 'HAL gear' and 'A season allowance' without providing explanations, which could be unclear to readers unfamiliar with the fishery management field.
• The document refers to specific regulations, such as § 679.20(d)(1)(i) and § 679.20(e) and (f), without elaboration, which may not be easily understood by the general public.
• The phrase 'there is good cause to waive prior notice and an opportunity for public comment' implies urgency but does not fully justify the rationale for the action, potentially leaving readers questioning the appropriateness of bypassing regular procedures.
• The complexity of the regulatory references and procedural language might make the document difficult for individuals outside the regulatory or fishing industry to fully understand.
• The reasons for setting aside 200 metric tons as bycatch and establishing a directed fishing allowance of 637 metric tons are not detailed, which could lead to questions about the decision-making criteria.