Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Amendment 86 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA Management Area to Add Pacific Cod Endorsements to Western and Central GOA Fixed Gear License Limitation Program (LLP) Licenses

An Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (EA/RIR/IRFA) examines the environmental, economic, and socioeconomic aspects of a proposed Federal regulatory action. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council) has proposed Amendment 86 to the Gulf of Alaska Fishery Management Plan (GOA FMP). The preferred alternative for the proposed action would add gear-specific Pacific cod endorsements to Western and Central GOA fixed gear licenses. In addition to the appropriate area endorsement, licenses would be required to carry a Pacific cod endorsement to permit participation in the directed Pacific cod fisheries in Federal waters in the Western and Central GOA.