Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Categories (Class C & D)

Amendment 42 to the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Groundfish FMP and Amendment 42 to the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish FMP addresses the need for increased flexibility of halibut and sablefish QS use on category B, C, and D catcher vessels, while maintaining the goals of the IFQ program and modified block amendment to limit consolidation, allow new entrants into the fishery, and protect coastal communities. Small boat fishermen have reported the scarcity of medium to large size blocks ($5,000 lb) in some areas and have requested that the Council enable them to rationalize their operations by purchasing shares from QS holders in larger vessel size categories. Large vessel (category B) operators have reported difficulties in utilizing or marketing small category B blocks and have requested the opportunity to downsize their operations or sell QS to owners of smaller vessels. This amendment responds to these requests by enhancing flexibility while maintaining consistency with the basic tenets of the IFQ program. 1996 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) AKR (Alaska Region) Submitted Public Domain 1861