Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review For Proposed Amendment 109 to the Fishery Management Plan for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish and a Proposed Regulatory Amendment Modifications to Gulf of Alaska Pollock and Pacific Cod Seasonal Allocation

This document analyzes the impacts of potential modifications to the seasons or seasonal allocation of pollock and Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) in the Central and Western Gulf of Alaska (GOA). The modifications are being considered by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council in order to improve management of the fisheries by reducing potential inefficiencies for fishery participants. Modifying the seasons or seasonal allocations of pollock and cod could allow the fisheries to more fully harvest the TAC, increase management flexibility and potentially decrease prohibited species catch. The modifications would not re-distribute allocations of pollock or cod between management areas or harvest sectors.