Categorical Exclusion for a Regulatory Amendment to Modify the Hired Master Regulations for Management of the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters off Alaska
March 18, 2013
NAO 216-6, Environmental Review Procedures, requires all proposed actions to be reviewed with respect to environmental consequences on the human environment.
This memorandum summarizes the determination that the regulatory amendment to modify the hired master regulations for management of the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters off Alaska qualifies to be categorically excluded from further National Environmental Policy Act review.
This regulatory amendment modifies existing regulations in the IFQ Program to restrict use of the hired master privilege assigned to initial recipients of quota share. The decision affects who may fish quota share that is transferred after the control date. There is no change in the number of quota shares available to the fishery or the harvest level of the associated IFQ. The action will have no effect on the natural or physical environment because it will not change current fishing practices, overall harvest limits of halibut and sablefish, harvest of non-target species, or regulations protecting habitat and important breeding areas.