[Federal Register: February 26, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 38)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 10160-10184] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr26fe08-12] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 071106673-8011-02] RIN 0648-XD69 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Final 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; closures. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS announces final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2008 and 2009 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the BSAI in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. DATES: The final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications and associated apportionment of reserves are effective at 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 26, 2008, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2009. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Record of Decision (ROD), Supplementary Information Report (SIR) to the EIS, and Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) prepared for this action are available on the Alaska Region Web site at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov. Printed copies can be obtained from the Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Copies of the 2007 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the groundfish resources of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) dated November 2007, are available from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, West 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99510-2252, phone 907-271-2809, or from its Web site at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228, or e-mail mary.furuness@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal regulations at 50 CFR part 679 implement the FMP and govern the groundfish fisheries in the BSAI. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepared the FMP, and NMFS approved it under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). General regulations governing U.S. fisheries also appear at 50 CFR part 600. The FMP and its implementing regulations require NMFS, after consultation with the Council, to specify the total allowable catch (TAC) for each target species and for the ``other species'' category, and the sum must be within the optimum yield (OY) range of 1.4 million to 2.0 million metric tons (mt) (see 50 CFR ( 679.20(a)(1)(i)). NMFs also must specify apportionments of TACs, Community Development Quota (CDQ) reserve amounts, prohibited species catch (PSC) allowances, and prohibited species quota (PSQ) reserve amounts. The final harvest specifications listed in Tables 1 through 16 of this action satisfy these requirements. The sum of TACs for 2008 is 1,838,345 mt and for 2009 is 1,814,204 mt. Section 679.20(c)(3) further requires NMFS to consider public comment on the proposed annual TACs and apportionments thereof and the proposed PSC allowances, and to publish final harvest specifications in the Federal Register. The proposed 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications and PSC allowances for the groundfish fishery of the BSAI were published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2007 (72 FR 68833). Comments were invited and accepted through January 7, 2008. NMFS received two letters with several comments on the proposed harvest specifications. These comments are summarized and responded to in the Response to Comments section of this rule. NMFS consulted with the Council on the final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications during the December 2007 Council meeting in Anchorage, AK. After considering public comments, as well as biological and economic data that were available at the Council's December meeting, NMFS is implementing the final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications as recommended by the Council. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and TAC Harvest Specifications The final ABC levels are based on the best available biological and socioeconomic information, including projected biomass trends, information on assumed distribution of stock biomass, and revised technical methods used to calculate stock biomass. In general, the development of ABCs and overfishing levels (OFLs) involves sophisticated statistical analyses of fish populations and is based on a successive series of six levels, or tiers, of the reliability of the information available to fishery scientists. Tier 1 represents the highest level of data quality available and tier 6 the lowest. In December 2007, the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Advisory Panel (AP), and Council reviewed current biological information about the condition of the BSAI groundfish stocks. The Council's Plan Team compiled and presented this information in the 2007 SAFE report for the BSAI groundfish fisheries, dated November 2007. The SAFE report contains a review of the latest scientific analyses and estimates of each species' biomass and other biological parameters, as well as summaries of the available information on the BSAI ecosystem and the economic condition of groundfish fisheries off Alaska. The SAFE report is available for public review (see [[Page 10161]] ADDRESSES). From these data and analyses, the Plan Team estimates an OFL and ABC for each species or species category. In December 2007, the SSC, AP, and Council reviewed the Plan Team's recommendations. Except for BSAI Pacific cod and the ``other species'' category, the SSC, AP, and Council endorsed the Plan Team's ABC recommendations. For 2008 and 2009, the SSC recommended higher Pacific cod OFLs and ABCs than the OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team. For BSAI Pacific cod, the SSC recommended using the 2007 ABC and OFL for 2008 and 2009 based on the upward trend of the spawning biomass. For ``other species,'' the SSC recommended using tier 5 management for skate species resulting in higher ABCs than the Plan Team's recommended tier 3 management. For tier 3 the SSC was concerned with the fit of the stock assessment model to survey biomass trends and growth. The SSC provided 2008 and 2009 ABC and OFL amounts by summing up individual species' ABCs in the ``other species'' category since the current FMP specifies management at the group level. The AP endorsed the ABCs recommended by the SSC, and the Council adopted them. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council recommended that total removals of Pacific cod from the BSAI not exceed ABC recommendations. In 2007, the Board of Fisheries for the State of Alaska (State) established a guideline harvest level (GHL) west of 170 degrees west longitude in the AI subarea equal to 3 percent of the Pacific cod ABC in the BSAI. Accordingly, the Council recommended that the 2008 and 2009 Pacific cod TACs be adjusted downward from the ABCs by amounts equal to the 2008 and 2009 GHLs. The final TAC recommendations were based on the ABCs as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations, including maintaining the sum of the TACs within the required OY range of 1.4 million to 2.0 million mt. Except for BSAI yellowfin sole, arrowtooth flounder, and ``other species,'' the Council adopted the AP's 2008 and 2009 TAC recommendations. The Council increased the yellowfin sole TAC as a result of a decrease in pollock TAC. The Council increased the arrowtooth flounder TAC to provide for incidental catch in other fisheries, and the Council decreased the ``other species'' TAC to provide enough TAC for incidental catch, but not for a directed fishery. None of the Council's recommended TACs for 2008 or 2009 exceeds the final 2008 or 2009 ABCs for any species category. The 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications approved by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) are unchanged from those recommended by the Council and are consistent with the preferred harvest strategy alternative in the EIS. The 2008 and 2009 TACs are equal to or less than the ABCs recommended by the Council's Plan Teams and SSC. NMFS finds that the recommended OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological condition of groundfish stocks as described in the 2007 SAFE report that was approved by the Council. Other Actions Potentially Affecting the 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specifications The Council is considering a proposal that would allocate the Pacific cod TAC by Bering Sea subarea and AI subarea instead of a combined BSAI TAC. Another proposal would separate some species from the ``other rockfish'' or ``other species'' categories so that individual OFLs, ABCs, and TACs may be established for these species. These actions, if submitted to and approved by the Secretary, could change the final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications. Changes From the Proposed 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specifications in the BSAI In October 2007, the Council made its recommendations for the proposed 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications (72 FR 68833, December 6, 2007) based largely on information contained in the 2006 SAFE report for the BSAI groundfish fisheries. The 2007 SAFE report, which was not available when the Council made its recommendations in October 2007, contains the best and most recent scientific information on the condition of the groundfish stocks. In December 2007, the Council considered the 2007 SAFE report in making its recommendations for the final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications. Based on the 2007 SAFE report, the sum of the 2008 and 2009 recommended final TACs for the BSAI (1,838,345 mt for 2008 and 1,814,204 mt for 2009) is lower than the sum of the proposed 2008 and 2009 TACs (2,000,000 mt for each year). Compared to the proposed 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications, the Council's final TAC recommendations increase fishing opportunities for fishermen and economic benefits to the nation for species for which the Council had sufficient information to raise TAC levels. These species include BSAI Atka mackerel, flathead sole, Pacific cod, yellowfin sole, other flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, Greenland turbot, and northern rockfish. The Council also reduced TAC levels to provide greater protection for several species including Bering Sea subarea pollock, sablefish, Alaska plaice, and other species. The changes in the final rule from the proposed rule are based on the most recent scientific information and implement the harvest strategy described in the proposed rule for the harvest specifications and are compared in the following table: Comparison of Final 2008 and 2009 With Proposed 2008 and 2009 Total Allowable Catch in the BSAI [Amounts are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 2008 final 2009 2009 final Species Area\1\ 2008 final proposed minus 2009 final proposed minus TAC TAC proposed TAC TAC proposed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock...................................... BS......................... 1,000,000 1,318,000 -318,000 1,000,000 1,318,000 -318,000 AI......................... 19,000 19,000 0 19,000 19,000 0 Bogoslof................... 10 10 0 10 10 0 Pacific cod.................................. BSAI....................... 170,720 127,070 43,650 170,720 127,070 43,650 Sablefish.................................... BS......................... 2,860 2,970 -110 2,610 2,970 -360 AI......................... 2,440 2,800 -360 2,230 2,800 -570 Atka mackerel................................ EAI/BS..................... 19,500 17,600 1,900 15,300 17,600 -2,300 CAI........................ 24,300 22,000 2,300 19,000 22,000 -3,000 WAI........................ 16,900 15,300 1,600 13,200 15,300 -2,100 Yellowfin sole............................... BSAI....................... 225,000 150,000 75,000 205,000 150,000 55,000 Rock sole.................................... BSAI....................... 75,000 75,000 0 75,000 75,000 0 Greenland turbot............................. BS......................... 1,750 1,720 30 1,750 1,720 30 [[Page 10162]] AI......................... 790 770 20 790 770 20 Arrowtooth flounder.......................... BSAI....................... 75,000 30,000 45,000 75,000 30,000 45,000 Flathead sole................................ BSAI....................... 50,000 45,000 5,000 50,000 45,000 5,000 Other flatfish............................... BSAI....................... 21,600 21,400 200 21,600 21,400 200 Alaska plaice................................ BSAI....................... 50,000 60,000 -10,000 50,000 60,000 -10,000 Pacific ocean perch.......................... BS......................... 4,200 4,080 120 4,100 4,080 20 EAI........................ 4,900 4,900 0 4,810 4,900 -90 CAI........................ 4,990 5,000 -10 4,900 5,000 -100 WAI........................ 7,610 7,620 -10 7,490 7,620 -130 Northern rockfish............................ BSAI....................... 8,180 8,150 30 8,130 8,150 -20 Shortraker rockfish.......................... BSAI....................... 424 424 0 424 424 0 Rougheye rockfish............................ BSAI....................... 202 202 0 202 202 0 Other rockfish............................... BS......................... 414 414 0 414 414 0 AI......................... 585 585 0 554 585 -31 Squid........................................ BSAI....................... 1,970 1,970 0 1,970 1,970 0 Other species................................ BSAI....................... 50,000 58,015 -8,015 60,000 58,015 1,985 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL.................................... BSAI....................... 1,838,345 2,000,000 -161,655 1,814,204 2,000,000 -185,796 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Bering Sea subarea (BS), Aleutian Islands subarea (AI), Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI), Eastern Aleutian District (EAI), Central Aleutian District (CAI), and Western Aleutian District (WAI). The final 2008 and 2009 TAC recommendations for the BSAI are within the OY range established for the BSAI and do not exceed ABCs for any single species or complex. Table 1 lists the final 2008 and 2009 OFL, ABC, TAC, initial TAC (ITAC), and CDQ reserve amounts of the BSAI groundfish. The apportionment of TAC amounts among fisheries and seasons is discussed below. As mentioned in the proposed 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications, NMFS is apportioning the amounts shown in Table 2 from the non- specified reserve to increase the initial ITAC of several target species. The final harvest specifications for 2008 and 2009 also include specifications consistent with two new FMP amendments. The final rule implementing Amendment 80 to the BSAI FMP was published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2007 (72 FR 52668). Amendment 80 allocates total allowable catch of specified groundfish species and halibut and crab PSC limits among several BSAI non-pollock trawl groundfish fisheries fishing sectors, and it facilitates the formation of harvesting cooperatives in the non-American Fisheries Act trawl catcher/processor sector. The Amendment 80 species are Atka mackerel, flathead sole, Pacific cod, rock sole, yellowfin sole, and Aleutian Islands Pacific ocean perch. The final rule implementing Amendment 85 to the FMP was published in the Federal Register on September 4, 2007 (72 FR 50788). Amendment 85 revises the current allocations of BSAI Pacific cod TAC among various harvest sectors and seasonal apportionments. Also, Amendment 85 divides the halibut PSC allowance annually specified for the hook-and- line Pacific cod fishery between the hook-and-line catcher/processor and catcher vessel sectors. Table 1.--2008 and 2009 Overfishing Level (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), Total Allowable Catch (TAC), Initial TAC (ITAC), and CDQ Reserve Allocation of Groundfish in the BSAI\1\ [Amounts are in metric tons] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2008 2009 Species Area ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFL ABC TAC ITAC \2\ CDQ \3\ OFL ABC TAC ITAC \2\ CDQ \3\ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pollock \3\................................ BS \2\..................... 1,440,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 900,000 100,000 1,320,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 900,000 100,000 AI \2\..................... 34,000 28,200 19,000 17,100 1,900 26,100 22,700 19,000 17,100 1,900 Bogoslof................... 58,400 7,970 10 10 0 58,400 7,970 10 10 0 Pacific cod \4\............................ BSAI....................... 207,000 176,000 170,720 152,453 18,267 207,000 176,000 170,720 152,453 18,267 Sablefish \5\.............................. BS......................... 3,380 2,860 2,860 2,360 393 2,910 2,610 2,610 1,109 98 AI......................... 2,890 2,440 2,440 1,853 412 2,510 2,230 2,230 474 42 Atka mackerel.............................. BSAI....................... 71,400 60,700 60,700 54,205 6,495 50,600 47,500 47,500 42,418 5,083 EAI/BS..................... n/a 19,500 19,500 17,414 2,087 n/a 15,300 15,300 13,663 1,637 CAI........................ n/a 24,300 24,300 21,700 2,600 n/a 19,000 19,000 16,967 2,033 WAI........................ n/a 16,900 16,900 15,092 1,808 n/a 13,200 13,200 11,788 1,412 Yellowfin sole............................. BSAI....................... 265,000 248,000 225,000 200,925 24,075 296,000 276,000 205,000 183,065 21,935 Rock sole.................................. BSAI....................... 304,000 301,000 75,000 66,975 8,025 379,000 375,000 75,000 66,975 8,025 Greenland turbot........................... BSAI....................... 15,600 2,540 2,540 2,159 n/a 16,000 2,540 2,540 2,159 n/a BS......................... n/a 1,750 1,750 1,488 187 n/a 1,750 1,750 1,488 187 AI......................... n/a 790 790 672 0 n/a 790 790 672 0 Arrowtooth flounder........................ BSAI....................... 297,000 244,000 75,000 63,750 8,025 300,000 246,000 75,000 63,750 8,025 Flathead sole.............................. BSAI....................... 86,000 71,700 50,000 44,650 5,350 83,700 69,700 50,000 44,650 5,350 Other flatfish \6\......................... BSAI....................... 28,800 21,600 21,600 18,360 0 28,800 21,600 21,600 18,360 0 [[Page 10163]] Alaska plaice.............................. BSAI....................... 248,000 194,000 50,000 42,500 0 277,000 217,000 50,000 42,500 0 Pacific ocean perch........................ BSAI....................... 25,700 21,700 21,700 19,198 n/a 25,400 21,300 21,300 18,845 n/a BS......................... n/a 4,200 4,200 3,570 0 n/a 4,100 4,100 3,485 0 EAI........................ n/a 4,900 4,900 4,376 524 n/a 4,810 4,810 4,295 515 CAI........................ n/a 4,990 4,990 4,456 534 n/a 4,900 4,900 4,376 524 WAI........................ n/a 7,610 7,610 6,796 814 n/a 7,490 7,490 6,689 801 Northern rockfish.......................... BSAI....................... 9,740 8,180 8,180 6,953 0 9,680 8,130 8,130 6,911 0 Shortraker rockfish........................ BSAI....................... 564 424 424 360 0 564 424 424 360 0 Rougheye rockfish.......................... BSAI....................... 269 202 202 172 0 269 202 202 172 0 Other rockfish \7\......................... BSAI....................... 1,330 999 999 849 0 1,290 968 968 823 0 BS......................... n/a 414 414 352 0 n/a 414 414 352 0 AI......................... n/a 585 585 497 0 n/a 554 554 471 0 Squid...................................... BSAI....................... 2,620 1,970 1,970 1,675 0 2,620 1,970 1,970 1,675 0 Other species \8\.......................... BSAI....................... 104,000 78,100 50,000 42,500 0 104,000 78,100 60,000 51,000 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total.................................. ........................... 3,205,693 2,472,585 1,838,345 1,639,009 174,989 3,191,843 2,557,944 1,814,204 1,597,810 170,751 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ These amounts apply to the entire BSAI management area unless otherwise specified. With the exception of pollock, and for the purpose of these harvest specifications, the Bering Sea (BS) subarea includes the Bogoslof District. \2\ Except for pollock, the portion of the sablefish TAC allocated to hook-and-line and pot gear, and Amendment 80 species, 15 percent of each TAC is put into a reserve. The ITAC for these species is the remainder of the TAC after the subtraction of these reserves. \3\ Under Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(1), the annual Bering Sea subarea pollock TAC after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second for the incidental catch allowance (3.5 percent), is further allocated by sector for a directed pollock fishery as follows: inshore-50 percent; catcher/processor-40 percent; and motherships-10 percent. Under Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual Aleutian Islands subarea pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second for the incidental catch allowance (1,600 mt) is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a directed pollock fishery. \4\ The Pacific cod TAC is reduced by three percent from the ABC to account for the State of Alaska's (State) guideline harvest level in State waters of the Aleutian Islands subarea. \5\ For the Amendment 80 species (Atka mackerel, flathead sole, rock sole, yellowfin sole, Pacific cod, and Aleutian Islands Pacific ocean perch), 10.7 percent of the TAC is reserved for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31). Twenty percent of the sablefish TAC allocated to hook-and-line gear or pot gear, 7.5 percent of the sablefish TAC allocated to trawl gear, and 10.7 percent of the TACs for Bering Sea Greenland turbot and arrowtooth flounder are reserved for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(B) and (D)). Aleutian Islands Greenland turbot, ``other flatfish,'' Alaska plaice, Bering Sea Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye rockfish, ``other rockfish,'' squid, and ``other species'' are not allocated to the CDQ program. \6\ ``Other flatfish'' includes all flatfish species, except for halibut (a prohibited species), flathead sole, Greenland turbot, rock sole, yellowfin sole, arrowtooth flounder, and Alaska plaice. \7\ ``Other rockfish'' includes all Sebastes and Sebastolobus species except for Pacific ocean perch, northern, shortraker, and rougheye rockfish. \8\ ``Other species'' includes sculpins, sharks, skates, and octopus. Forage fish, as defined at Sec. 679.2, are not included in the ``other species'' category. Non-specified Reserves, CDQ Reserves, and the Incidental Catch Allowance (ICA) for Pollock, Sablefish, Atka Mackerel, Flathead Sole, Rock Sole, Yellowfin Sole, and Aleutian Islands Pacific Ocean Perch Section 679.20(b)(1)(i) requires the placement of 15 percent of the TAC for each target species or ``other species'' category, except for pollock, the hook-and-line and pot gear allocation of sablefish, and the Amendment 80 species, in a non-specified reserve. Section 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(B) requires that 20 percent of the hook-and-line and pot gear allocation of sablefish be allocated to the fixed gear sablefish CDQ reserve. Section 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(D) requires allocation of 7.5 percent of the trawl gear allocations of sablefish and 10.7 percent of the Bering Sea Greenland turbot and arrowtooth flounder TACs to the respective CDQ reserves. Section 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) requires allocation of 10.7 percent of the TACs for Atka mackerel, Aleutian Islands Pacific Ocean perch, yellowfin sole, rock sole, flathead sole, and Pacific cod to the CDQ reserves. Sections 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), (a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i), (b)(1)(i)(A), and 679.31(a) also require the allocation of 10 percent of the BSAI pollock TACs to the pollock CDQ directed fishing allowance (DFA). The entire Bogoslof District pollock TAC is allocated as an ICA (see 679.20(a)(5)(ii) and (b)(1)(ii)(A)(2)). With the exception of the hook-and-line and pot gear sablefish CDQ reserve, the regulations do not further apportion the CDQ allocations by gear. Section 679.21(e)(3)(i)(A) requires withholding 7.5 percent of the Chinook salmon PSC limit, 10.7 percent of the crab and non-Chinook salmon PSC limits, and 343 metric tons (mt) of halibut PSC as PSQ reserves for the CDQ fisheries. Sections 679.30 and 679.31 set forth regulations governing the management of the CDQ and PSQ reserves, respectively. Pursuant to 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(1), NMFS allocates a pollock ICA of 3.5 percent of the Bering Sea subarea pollock TAC after subtraction of the 10 percent CDQ reserve. This allowance is based on NMFS' examination of the pollock incidental catch, including the incidental catch by CDQ vessels, in target fisheries other than pollock from 1999 through 2007. During this 9-year period, the pollock incidental catch ranged from a low of 2.4 percent in 2006 to a high of 5 percent in 1999, with a 9-year average of 3 percent. Pursuant to 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), NMFS recommends a pollock ICA of 1,600 mt for the AI subarea after subtraction of the 10 percent CDQ DFA. This allowance is based on NMFS' examination of the pollock incidental catch, including the incidental catch by CDQ vessels, in target fisheries other than pollock from 2003 through 2007. During this 5-year period, the incidental catch of pollock ranged from a low of 5 percent in 2006 to a high of 10 percent in 2003, with a 5-year average of 6 percent. Pursuant to 679.20(a)(8) and (10), NMFS allocates ICAs of 4,500 mt of flathead sole, 5,000 mt of rock sole, 2,000 mt of yellowfin sole, 10 mt each of Western and Central Aleutian District [[Page 10164]] Pacific Ocean perch and Atka mackerel, 100 mt of Eastern Aleutian District Pacific Ocean perch, and 1,400 mt of Eastern Aleutian District and Bering Sea subarea Atka mackerel TAC after subtraction of the 10.7 percent CDQ reserve. These allowances are based on NMFS' examination of the incidental catch in other target fisheries from 2003 through 2007. The regulations do not designate the remainder of the non-specified reserve by species or species group. Any amount of the reserve may be apportioned to a target species or to the ``other species'' category during the year, provided that such apportionments do not result in overfishing (see 679.20(b)(1)(ii)). The Regional Administrator has determined that the ITACs specified for the species listed in Table 2 need to be supplemented from the non-specified reserve because U.S. fishing vessels have demonstrated the capacity to catch the full TAC allocations. Therefore, in accordance with 679.20(b)(3), NMFS is apportioning the amounts shown in Table 2 from the non-specified reserve to increase the ITAC for northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye rockfish, and Bering Sea other rockfish by 7.5 percent of the TAC in 2008 and 2009. Table 2.--2008 and 2009 Apportionment of Reserves to ITAC Categories [Amounts are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 2009 Species--area or subarea 2008 ITAC reserve 2008 final 2009 ITAC reserve 2009 final amount ITAC amount ITAC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shortraker rockfish--BSAI......... 360 32 392 360 32 392 Rougheye rockfish--BSAI........... 172 15 187 172 15 187 Northern rockfish--BSAI........... 6,953 614 7,567 6,911 610 7,521 Other rockfish--Bering Sea subarea 352 31 383 352 31 383 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total......................... 7,837 692 8,529 7,795 688 8,483 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation of Pollock TAC Under the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Section 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A) requires that the pollock TAC apportioned to the Bering Sea subarea, after subtraction of the 10 percent for the CDQ program and the 3.5 percent for the ICA, be allocated as a DFA as follows: 50 percent to the inshore sector, 40 percent to the catcher/processor sector, and 10 percent to the mothership sector. In the Bering Sea subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10), and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10-November 1). The AI directed pollock fishery allocation to the Aleut Corporation is the amount of pollock remaining in the AI subarea after subtracting 1,900 mt for the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and 1,600 mt for the ICA. In the AI subarea, 40 percent of the ABC is allocated to the A season and the remainder of the directed pollock fishery is allocated to the B season. Table 3 lists these 2008 and 2009 amounts. Section 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4) also includes several specific requirements regarding Bering Sea pollock allocations. First, 8.5 percent of the pollock allocated to the catcher/processor sector will be available for harvest by AFA catcher vessels with catcher/processor sector endorsements, unless the Regional Administrator receives a cooperative contract that provides for the distribution of harvest among AFA catcher/processors and AFA catcher vessels in a manner agreed to by all members. Second, AFA catcher/processors not listed in the AFA are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the pollock allocated to the catcher/processor sector. Table 3 lists the 2008 and 2009 allocations of pollock TAC. Tables 10 through 15 list the AFA catcher/processor and catcher vessel harvesting sideboard limits. The tables for the pollock allocations to the Bering Sea subarea inshore pollock cooperatives and open access sector will be posted on the Alaska Region Web site at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov. Table 3 also lists seasonal apportionments of pollock and harvest limits within the Steller Sea Lion Conservation Area (SCA). The harvest within the SCA, as defined at 679.22(a)(7)(vii), is limited to 28 percent of the annual DFA until April 1. The remaining 12 percent of the 40 percent annual DFA allocated to the A season may be taken outside the SCA before April 1 or inside the SCA after April 1. If less than 28 percent of the annual DFA is taken inside the SCA before April 1, the remainder will be available to be taken inside the SCA after April 1. The A season pollock SCA harvest limit will be apportioned to each sector in proportion to each sector's allocated percentage of the DFA. Table 3 lists by sector these 2008 and 2009 amounts. [[Page 10165]] Table 3.--2008 and 2009 Allocations of Pollock TACs to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\ [Amounts are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 A season \1\ 2008 B 2009 A season \1\ 2009 B -------------------------- season \1\ -------------------------- season \1\ Area and sector 2008 ------------- 2009 ------------ Allocations A season SCA harvest B season Allocations A season SCA harvest B season DFA limit \2\ DFA DFA limit \2\ DFA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bering Sea subarea........................ 1,000,000 n/a n/a n/a 1,000,000 n/a n/a n/a CDQ DFA............................... 100,000 40,000 28,000 60,000 100,000 40,000 28,000 60,000 ICA \1\............................... 31,500 n/a n/a n/a 31,500 n/a n/a n/a AFA Inshore........................... 434,250 173,700 121,590 260,550 434,250 173,700 121,590 260,550 AFA Catcher/Processors \3\............ 347,400 138,960 97,272 208,440 347,400 138,960 97,272 208,440 Catch by C/Ps..................... 317,871 127,148 n/a 190,723 317,871 127,148 n/a 190,723 Catch by CVs \3\.................. 29,529 11,812 n/a 17,717 29,529 11,812 n/a 17,717 Unlisted C/P Limit \4\........ 1,737 695 n/a 1,042 1,737 695 n/a 1,042 AFA Motherships....................... 86,850 34,740 24,318 52,110 86,850 34,740 24,318 52,110 Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\........ 151,988 n/a n/a n/a 151,988 n/a n/a n/a Excessive Processing Limit \6\........ 260,550 n/a n/a n/a 260,550 n/a n/a n/a Total Bering Sea DFA...................... 868,500 347,400 243,180 521,099 868,501 347,399 243,180 521,100 Aleutian Islands subarea \1\.............. 19,000 n/a n/a n/a 19,000 n/a n/a n/a CDQ DFA............................... 1,900 760 n/a 1,140 1,900 760 n/a 1,140 ICA................................... 1,600 800 n/a 800 1,600 800 n/a 800 Aleut Corporation..................... 15,500 15,500 n/a 0 15,500 15,500 n/a 0 Bogoslof District ICA \7\................. 10 n/a n/a n/a 10 n/a n/a n/a -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the Bering Sea subarea pollock, after subtraction for the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and the ICA (3.5 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: inshore sector--50 percent, catcher/processor sector (C/P)--40 percent, and mothership sector--10 percent. In the Bering Sea subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10) and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10-November 1). Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (1,600 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a directed pollock fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the directed pollock fishery. \2\ In the Bering Sea subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector's annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before April 1. The remaining 12 percent of the annual DFA allocated to the A season may be taken outside of SCA before April 1 or inside the SCA after April 1. If less than 28 percent of the annual DFA is taken inside the SCA before April 1, the remainder will be available to be taken inside the SCA after April 1. \3\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/processors. \4\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/processors sector's allocation of pollock. \5\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs. \6\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs. \7\ The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector. [[Page 10166]] Allocation of the Atka Mackerel TACs Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtraction of the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs for the BSAI trawl limited access sector and non-trawl gear, to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and 679.91. Pursuant to 679.20(a)(8)(i), up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea Atka mackerel ITAC may be allocated to jig gear. The amount of this allocation is determined annually by the Council based on several criteria, including the anticipated harvest capacity of the jig gear fleet. The Council recommended, and NMFS approves, a 0.5 percent allocation of the Atka mackerel ITAC in the Eastern Aleutian District and Bering Sea subarea to the jig gear in 2008 and 2009. Based on the 2008 TAC of 16,900 mt after subtractions of the CDQ reserve and ICA, the jig gear allocation would be 80 mt for 2008. Based on the 2009 TAC of 15,300 mt after subtractions of the CDQ reserve and ICA, the jig gear allocation would be 61 mt for 2009. Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) apportions the Atka mackerel ITAC into two equal seasonal allowances. The first seasonal allowance is made available for directed fishing from January 1 (January 20 for trawl gear) to April 15 (A season), and the second seasonal allowance is made available from September 1 to November 1 (B season). The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season. Pursuant to 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1), the Regional Administrator will establish a harvest limit area (HLA) limit of no more than 60 percent of the seasonal TAC for the Western and Central Aleutian Districts. NMFS will establish HLA limits for the CDQ reserve and each of the three non-CDQ trawl sectors: The BSAI trawl limited access sector; the Amendment 80 limited access fishery; and an aggregate HLA limit applicable to all Amendment 80 cooperatives. NMFS will assign vessels in each of the three non-CDQ sectors that apply to fish for Atka mackerel in the HLA to an HLA fishery based on a random lottery of the vessels that apply (see 679.20(a)(8)(iii)). There is no allocation of Atka mackerel to the BSAI trawl limited access sector in the Western Aleutian District. Therefore, no vessels in the BSAI trawl limited access sector will be assigned to the Western Aleutian District HLA fishery. Each trawl sector will have a separate lottery. A maximum of two HLA fisheries will be established in Area 542 for the BSAI trawl limited access sector. A maximum of four HLA fisheries will be established for vessels assigned to Amendment 80 cooperatives: A first and second HLA fishery in Area 542, and a first and second HLA fishery in Area 543. A maximum of four HLA fisheries will be established for vessels assigned to the Amendment 80 limited access fishery: A first and second HLA fishery in Area 542, and a first and second HLA fishery in Area 543. NMFS will initially open fishing in the HLA for the first HLA fishery in all three trawl sectors at the same time. The initial opening of fishing in the HLA will be based on the first directed fishing closure of Atka mackerel in Area 541/BS for any one of the three trawl sectors allocated Atka mackerel TAC. Table 4 lists these 2008 and 2009 amounts. The 2009 allocations for Atka mackerel between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2008. Table 4.--2008 and 2009 Seasonal and Spatial Allowances, Gear Shares, CDQ Reserve, Incidental Catch Allowance, and Amendment 80 Allocations of the BSAI ATKA Mackerel TAC [Amounts are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 Allocation by area 2009 Allocation by area ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sector \1\ Season 2,3 Eastern Aleutian Central Western Eastern Aleutian Central Western District/Bering Aleutian Aleutian District/Bering Aleutian Aleutian Sea District District Sea District District -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAC................................... n/a................... 19,500 24,300 16,900 15,300 19,000 13,200 CDQ reserve........................... Total................. 2,087 2,600 1,808 1,637 2,033 1,412 HLA \4\............... n/a 1,560 1,085 n/a 1,220 847 ICA................................... Total................. 1,400 10 10 1,400 10 10 Jig \5\............................... Total................. 80 0 0 61 0 0 BSAI trawl limited access............. Total................. 319 434 0 488 678 0 A..................... 159 217 0 244 339 0 HLA \4\............... n/a 130 0 n/a 203 0 B..................... 159 217 0 244 339 0 HLA \4\............... n/a 130 0 n/a 203 0 Amendment 80 sectors.................. Total................. 15,615 21,256 15,082 12,202 16,957 11,778 A..................... 7,807 10,628 7,541 6,101 8,479 5,889 HLA \4\............... 4,684 6,377 4,525 3,660 5,087 3,533 B..................... 7,807 10,628 7,541 6,101 8,479 5,889 HLA \4\............... 4,684 6,377 4,525 3,660 5,087 3,533 Amendment 80 limited access........... Total................. 8,232 12,809 9,298 n/a n/a n/a A..................... 4,116 6,405 4,649 n/a n/a n/a HLA \4\............... n/a 3,843 2,789 n/a n/a n/a B..................... 4,116 6,405 4,649 n/a n/a n/a HLA \4\............... n/a 3,843 2,789 n/a n/a n/a Amendment 80 cooperatives............. Total................. 7,383 8,447 5,784 n/a n/a n/a A..................... 3,812 4,224 2,892 n/a n/a n/a HLA \4\............... n/a 2,534 1,735 n/a n/a n/a B..................... 3,692 4,224 2,892 n/a n/a n/a [[Page 10167]] HLA \4\............... n/a 2,534 1,735 n/a n/a n/a -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtraction of the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs, to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and Sec. 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31). \2\ Regulations at Sec. Sec. 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel fishery. The A season is January 1 (January 20 for trawl gear) to April 15, and the B season is September 1 to November 1. \3\ The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season. \4\ Harvest Limit Area (HLA) limit refers to the amount of each seasonal allowance that is available for fishing inside the HLA (see Sec. 679.2). In 2008 and 2009, 60 percent of each seasonal allowance is available for fishing inside the HLA in the Western and Central Aleutian Districts. \5\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear after subtraction of the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season. Allocation of the Pacific Cod ITAC Section 679.20(a)(7)(i) and (ii) allocates the Pacific cod TAC in the BSAI, after subtraction of 10.7 percent for the CDQ reserve, as follows: 1.4 percent to vessels using jig gear, 2.0 percent to hook- and-line and pot catcher vessels less than 60 ft (18.3 m) length overall (LOA), 0.2 percent to hook-and-line catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA, 48.7 percent to hook-and-line catcher/processors, 8.4 percent to pot catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA, 1.5 percent to pot catcher/processors, 2.3 percent to American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher/processors, 13.4 percent to non-AFA trawl catcher/processors, and 22.1 percent to trawl catcher vessels. The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line and pot sectors. For 2008 and 2009, the Regional Administrator establishes an ICA of 500 mt based on anticipated incidental catch by these sectors in other fisheries. The allocation of the ITAC for Pacific cod to the Amendment 80 sector is established in Table 33 to part 679 and 679.91. The 2009 allocations for Pacific cod between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2008. Sections 679.20(a)(7) and 679.23(e)(5) apportion seasonal allowances of the Pacific cod ITAC to disperse the Pacific cod fisheries over the fishing year. In accordance with 679.20(a)(7)(iv)(B) and (C), any unused portion of a seasonal Pacific cod allowance will become available at the beginning of the next seasonal allowance. Sections 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) and 679.23(e)(5) establish the CDQ seasonal allowances based on gear type. For hook-and-line catcher/ processors and hook-and-line catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA harvesting CDQ Pacific cod, the first seasonal allowance of 60 percent of the ITAC is available for directed fishing from January 1 to June 10, and the second seasonal allowance of 40 percent of the ITAC is available from June 10 to December 31. No seasonal harvest constraints are imposed on the CDQ Pacific cod fishery for pot gear or hook-and-line catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA. For vessels harvesting CDQ Pacific cod with trawl gear, the first seasonal allowance of 60 percent of the ITAC is available January 20 to April 1. The second seasonal, April 1 to June 10, and the third seasonal allowance, June 10 to November 1, are each allocated 20 percent of the ITAC. The CDQ Pacific cod trawl catcher vessel allocation is further allocated as 70 percent of the first seasonal allowance, 10 percent in the second seasonal allowance, and 20 percent in the third seasonal allowance. The CDQ Pacific cod trawl catcher/ processor allocation is 50 percent in the first seasonal allowance, 30 percent in the second seasonal allowance, and 20 percent in the third seasonal allowance. For jig gear, the first and third seasonal allowances are each allocated 40 percent of the ITAC and the second seasonal allowance is allocated 20 percent of the ITAC. Sections 679.20(a)(7)(iv)(A) and 679.23(e)(5) apportion the non-CDQ seasonal allowances by gear type as follows. For hook-and-line and pot catcher/processors and hook-and-line and pot catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA, the first seasonal allowance of 51 percent of the ITAC is available for directed fishing from January 1 to June 10, and the second seasonal allowance of 49 percent of the ITAC is available from June 10 (September 1 for pot gear) to December 31. No seasonal harvest constraints are imposed on the Pacific cod fishery for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear. For trawl gear, the first seasonal allowance is January 20 to April 1, the second seasonal allowance is April 1 to June 10, and the third seasonal allowance is June 10 to November 1. The trawl catcher vessel allocation is further allocated as 74 percent in the first seasonal allowance, 11 percent in the second seasonal allowance, and 15 percent in the third seasonal allowance. The trawl catcher/processor allocation is allocated 75 percent in the first seasonal allowance, 25 percent in the second seasonal allowance, and zero percent in the third seasonal allowance. For jig gear, the first seasonal allowance is allocated 60 percent of the ITAC, and the second and third seasonal allowances are each allocated 20 percent of the ITAC. Table 5 lists the 2008 and 2009 allocations and seasonal apportionments of the Pacific cod TAC. [[Page 10168]] Table 5.--2008 and 2009 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod TAC [Amounts are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 and 2009 2008 and 2009 2008 and 2009 seasonal apportionment \2\ Gear sector Percent share of gear share of sector --------------------------------------------------- sector total total Dates Amount -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total TAC...................................... 100 170,720 n/a n/a............................... n/a CDQ............................................ 10.7 18,267 n/a see Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B)..... n/a Total hook-and-line/pot gear................... 60.8 92,691 n/a n/a............................... n/a Hook-and-line/pot ICA\1\....................... n/a n/a 500 n/a............................... n/a Hook-and-line/pot subtotal..................... n/a 92,191 n/a n/a............................... n/a Hook-and-line catcher/processor................ 48.7 n/a 73,844 Jan 1-Jun 10...................... 37,660 Jun 10-Dec 31..................... 36,184 Hook-and-line catcher vessel >= 60 ft LOA...... 0.2 n/a 303 Jan 1-Jun 10...................... 155 Jun 10-Dec 31..................... 149 Pot catcher/processor.......................... 1.5 n/a 2,274 Jan 1-Jun 10...................... 1,160 Sept 1-Dec 31..................... 1,114 Pot catcher vessel >= 60 ft LOA................ 8.4 n/a 12,737 Jan 1-Jun 10...................... 6,496 Sept 1-Dec 31..................... 6,241 Catcher vessel < 60 ft LOA using hook-and-line 2.0 3,033 3,033 n/a............................... n/a or pot gear. Trawl catcher vessel........................... 22.1 33,692 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1...................... 24,932 Apr 1-Jun 10...................... 3,706 Jun 10-Nov 1...................... 5,054 AFA trawl catcher/processor.................... 2.3 3,506 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1...................... 2,630 Apr 1- Jun 10..................... 877 Jun 10-Nov 1...................... 0 Amendment 80................................... 13.4 20,429 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1...................... 15,322 Apr 1-Jun 10...................... 5,107 Jun 10-Nov 1...................... 0 Amendment 80 limited access \2\................ n/a n/a 3,294 Jan 20-Apr 1...................... 2,471 Apr 1-Jun 10...................... 824 Jun 10-Nov 1...................... 0 Amendment 80 cooperatives \2\.................. n/a n/a 17,135 Jan 20-Apr 1...................... 12,851 Apr 1-Jun 10...................... 4,284 Jun 10-Nov 1...................... 0 Jig............................................ 1.4 2,134 n/a Jan 1-Apr 30...................... 1,281 Apr 30-Aug 31..................... 427 Aug 31-Dec 31..................... 427 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2008 and 2009 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries. \2\ The 2009 allocations for Amendment 80 species between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2008. Sablefish Gear Allocation Sections 679.20(a)(4)(iii) and (iv) require the allocation of sablefish TACs for the Bering Sea and AI subareas between trawl and hook-and-line or pot gear. Gear allocations of the TACs for the Bering Sea subarea are 50 percent for trawl gear and 50 percent for hook-and- line or pot gear and for the AI subarea are 25 percent for trawl gear and 75 percent for hook-and-line or pot gear. Section 679.20(b)(1)(iii)(B) requires apportionment of 20 percent of the hook- and-line and pot gear allocation of sablefish to the CDQ reserve. The Council recommended that only trawl sablefish TAC be established biennially. The harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear and pot gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) fisheries will be limited to the 2008 fishing year to ensure those fisheries are conducted concurrently with the halibut IFQ fishery. Concurrent sablefish and halibut IFQ fisheries reduces the potential for discards of halibut and sablefish in those fisheries. The sablefish IFQ fisheries will remain closed at the beginning of each fishing year until the final specifications for the sablefish IFQ fisheries are in effect. Table 6 lists the 2008 and 2009 gear allocations of the sablefish TAC and CDQ reserve amounts. Table 6.--2008 a