Biological Opinion on Authorization of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries
December 22, 1999
Authorization of: BSAI groundfish fisheries based on total allowable catch for 2000; GOA groundfish fisheries based on TAC specifications for 2000; both BSAI and GOA groundfish fisheries to implement the American Fisheries Act of 1998.
The purpose of this opinion is to fulfill the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 requirements for consultation on:
- authorization of groundfish fisheries in 2000 under the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fishery management plan and based on 2000 TAC specifications
- authorization of groundfish fisheries in 2000 under the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fishery management plan and based on 2000 TAC specifications
- authorization of both BSAI and GOA groundfish fisheries based on the American Fisheries Act of 1998
Section 7 regulations allow a formal consultation to encompass a number of similar actions within a given geographic area or a segment of a comprehensive plan (50 CFR 402.14). Consistent with this regulatory provision and for purposes of efficiency, these three actions are being summarized in a single biological opinion. Much of this opinion focuses on the potential effects of these fisheries on the endangered western population of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus).
Action Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division