Federal Register #Docket No. 260817-0010

NMFS proposes rule to modify Pacific Halibut IFQ vessel use caps in regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E

This opportunity involves a proposed regulatory change by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, affecting Pacific halibut IFQ fisheries. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), NOAA, Department of Commerce - OEMs and Vendors: - No commercial OEMs or vendors are referenced; only NMFS and NOAA as regulatory agencies - Products/Services Requested: - No products, part numbers, or quantities are being procured - Notable Requirements: - Revises vessel harvest limitations for IFQ halibut in regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E - Establishes a vessel harvest limit of five percent of the total annual commercial catch limit across these areas - Excludes IFQ halibut harvest from quota held by a Community Quota Entity (CQE) in Area 4B from the five percent vessel harvest limit - Intended to provide additional flexibility for fishery participants in challenging areas - Supports the goals of the IFQ Program and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 - Directly affects vessel owners and operators participating in the halibut IFQ fishery in the specified areas

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes regulations to modify the Pacific halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program by revising vessel harvest limitations in IFQ regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E. The proposal establishes a vessel harvest limit of five percent of the total annual commercial catch limit across these areas and excludes IFQ halibut harvest derived from quota held by a Community Quota Entity (CQE) in Area 4B from this limit. This action aims to provide additional flexibility for fishery participants in these areas where fishery conditions remain challenging and supports the goals of the IFQ Program and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982.

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