Categorical Exclusion from Requirements to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Alternatives to Revise Regulations Governing the Administration and Oversight of the Community Development Quota Program
February 14, 2002
Categorical Exclusion based on the determination that alternatives addressing the role of government in the CDQ program, if implemented, would not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment.
In June 2001, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) requested an analysis of alternatives that would amend the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area and regulations at 50 CFR 679 governing the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program (CDQ). The alternatives address the role of government in administration and oversight of the economic development aspects of the CDQ Program and the process through which allocations to CDQ groups are made. A draft analysis, dated November 15, 2001, was prepared by Council and NOAA Fisheries staff and presented to the Council at its December 2001 meeting. The Council consolidated two issues into one issue and revised some of the alternatives. The revised list of issues and alternatives is attached.
This action is categorically excluded under NOA 216-6 and the NEPA from both further environmental review and the requirement to prepare an environmental review document.