Purpose and Need

The original FMP subdivided the Chirikof statistical area into two segments at 157° W. The total allowable level for foreign fishing (TALFF) for Pacific cod in the entire Chirikof area was established at 1,500 mt, which was further split to 600 mt and 900 mt for the western and eastern subdivisions, respectively. The foreign quota split between segments of the Chirikof area was based on the proportion of the area in each segment. For example, 40% of the total Chirikof area is west of the subdividing line, therefore 40% of the total quota for the area was allocated to that segment (40% of 1,500 mt = 600 mt). The division was originally established to limit the amount of Pacific cod taken by foreign longliners, since longline fishing was not allowed in the eastern segment of the Chirikof area. Amendment 3 was proposed to remove the subdivision quotas but maintain the 1,500 mt total quota, thereby allowing the foreign longline fleet to take the entire Chirikof TALFF for Pacific cod west of 157° W longitude.

Amendment 3 was intended to allow an increase in the amount of Pacific cod taken by foreign longliners, within the confines of the overall quota for Chirikof. Since longline gear is more selective than trawl gear, allowing an increase in longline harvest was expected to reduce the amount taken by trawlers, and thus reduce the incidental catch of other species including halibut and shellfish

Analysis

A 3-page environmental assessment was prepared (dated August 25, 1978) for this amendment. Three alternative actions to the preferred alternative were considered, including no action. The other two alternatives not chosen entailed:

1) Moving the subdividing line east of 157° W to enlarge the western segment.

2) Allocating allowable catches and percentage of reserves to the eastern and western segments of the Chirikof area on other than a proportional basis. Moving the subdividing line was rejected because it would increase the longline quota and produce potential gear conflicts with domestic and foreign trawlers. Changing the allowable catch percentages was rejected because there was no supporting evidence to refute an assumption of a uniform distribution of Pacific cod throughout the Chirikof area. The preferred alternative was chosen because it decreased bycatch of other species and because no information existed to indicate that the Pacific cod distribution was so localized that this action would deplete the stock west of 157° W longitude.

Regulation Summary

The implementing regulations allowed for the foreign longline fleet to take the entire Chirikof TALFF for Pacific cod (1,500 mt), and any apportioned reserves in that fishing area, in the Chirikof fishing area west of 157° W. longitude. 

Results

The amendment allowed for a greater portion of the foreign Chirikof Pacific cod quota to be taken by the foreign longline fleet.