Biological Opinion on the Authorization of Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries and Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries Based on the Respective Fishery Management Plans as Modified by Amendments 61 and 70 - Supplement
June 19, 2003
This supplement to the 2001 Biological Opinion is a focused response to issues outlined by the Court, and the memo by James Balsiger. It does not incorporate information or analyses on ancillary issues surrounding the Steller sea lion decline.
NOAA Fisheries has prepared a supplement to the 2001 Biological Opinion on the pollock, Pacific cod, and Atka mackerel fisheries off Alaska in response to a remand order by the Court. On December 18, 2002, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Judge Thomas Zilly granted motion for summary judgment (Greenpeace, American Oceans Campaign, and Sierra Club v. NMFS et al. No. C98-492Z). NOAA Fisheries is presenting further background information on the decision making process in the 2001 Biological Opinion as a requirement of this Court order (see memorandum dated January 16, 2003; James W. Balsiger to William T. Hogarth). This supplement is a focused response to issues outlined by the Court and the memorandum by Dr. James Balsiger.
Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division