Regulatory Impact Review for Amendment 99 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area - Adjustment of the Maximum Length Overall on BSAI Freezer Longline License Limitation Program Licenses

The purpose of the proposed action is to amend the BSAI FMP and Federal regulations related to BSAI freezer longline (hook-and-line catcher/processor) vessels that fish for Pacific cod to establish a process for vessel owners to replace or rebuild their vessels to a length greater than that specified under the restrictions of the LLP and the AFA. This proposed action is necessary to improve the retention and utilization of groundfish catch by these vessels consistent with the BSAI FMP and other applicable law, improve economic efficiency, and to promote safety-at-sea by requiring newly built vessels to meet modern vessel safety standards. 2013 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) AKR (Alaska Region) Submitted Public Domain 1861