Purpose and Need

The domestic fleet was beginning to grow, and U.S fishermen, particularly those delivering fish to foreign vessels under joint venture arrangements, judged that they would be able to catch more flatfish than in the past.  Additionally, NMFS resource assessment data indicated a short-term increase in Pacific cod due to a strong year class entering the fishery, along with a rapid expansion of the domestic fishery for this species.

The purpose of the amendment was to increase the domestic annual harvesting (DAH) amount and the joint venture processing (JVP) amount of yellowfin sole and other flatfish, and consequently decrease the amount available to foreign fishing (TALFF). The Pacific cod catch specifications were increased, particularly for domestic fisheries, to reflect best available scientific information.

Analysis

A 5-page EA analysis and a 4- page RIR analysis was prepared for this amendment. Only one alternative to the status quo was considered. 

Regulation Summary

The amendment changed the specifications for yellowfin sole, other flatfish, and Pacific cod as follows:

Yellowfin sole:        
DAH increased from 2,050 mt to 26,200 mt.
JVP increased from 850 mt to 25,000 mt.
TALFF decreased by 24,150 mt.

Other flatfish:
DAH increased from 1,300 mt to 4,200 mt.
JVP increased from 100 mt to 3,000 mt.
TALFF decreased by 2,900 mt.

Pacific cod:   
MSY decreased from 58,700 mt to 55,000 mt.
EY increased from 58,700 to 160,000 mt.
ABC increased from 58,700 mt to 160,000 mt.
OY increased from 58,700 mt to 78,700 mt.
Reserve increased from 2,935 mt to 3,935 mt.
DAP increased from 7,000 mt to 26,000 mt.
DAH increased from 24,265 mt to 43,265 mt.

Results

The domestic and joint venture fisheries continued to grow. Additional increases in domestic allocations were made in 1983 under Amendment 4. Allocations of catch were frame worked under Amendment 1 in 1984.