Seabird Avoidance Measures for the Hook-and-Line Groundfish and Halibut Fisheries off Alaska

Final Rule:

Revision to the seabird avoidance requirements for the hook-and-line groundfish and halibut fisheries in International Pacific Halibut Commission Area 4E. The final rule eliminates seabird avoidance requirements for hook-and-line vessels less than or equal to 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall in portions of Area 4E in the eastern Bering Sea. 

Background:

Seabird avoidance measures reduce the incidental mortality of seabirds in the hook-and-line fisheries off Alaska. Since 1997, NOAA Fisheries has implemented and revised seabird avoidance measures to mitigate interactions between the Federal hook-and-line fisheries and seabirds.