NOAA Fisheries News Releases
NEWS RELEASE
May 23, 2005
Sheela McLean
(907) 586-7032
CRAB QUOTA APPLICATION PERIOD ENDS JUNE 3
The deadline to apply for crab quota in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island crab fisheries is swiftly approaching, NOAA Fisheries Service officials reminded people today.
The application period ends June 3, 2005. Late applications will not be accepted.
"The application period began April 4. We've received about 220 applications so far," said Phil Smith, director of NOAA Fisheries' Restricted Access Management Program in Alaska. "That's around half of the applications we expect to receive."
The quota system is part of 'crab rationalization'--a new management system in Alaska's Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries.
The final rule as well as application and other information on the new management system can be viewed at www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/crab/crfaq.htm. Interested persons may also call the agency's toll-free number: (800) 304-4846.The new crab rationalization program allocates harvesting and processing privileges for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands king and Tanner crab fisheries to fishermen and processors. However, an application is necessary to obtain harvesting and processing shares.
NOAA Fisheries officials mailed applications to eligible vessel owners, processors, and crew. Applications are also available on the internet. A fisherman's qualification in the new program springs from a history of prior participation in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. The qualifying years vary for each crab fishery.The new management program is designed to increase efficiency in the industry, provide economic stability and reduce the number of boats competing for crab. Officials also expect that crab fishing in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands will become safer, since fishermen will not be pushed to race for crab in extreme weather.
Between 1990 and 1999, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries averaged landings with an annual gross value of some $240 million. Since 2000, the value of the crab fisheries has declined to about $95 million annually, largely because of a decline in some crab populations.
The value of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab is expected to grow under the rationalization program. Other rationalization programs, such as the American Fisheries Act pollock cooperatives and the halibut/sablefish Individual Fishing Quota Program, have resulted in more valuable, better managed, and safer North Pacific fisheries.
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat. To learn more about NOAA Fisheries in Alaska, please visit our website at www.fakr.noaa.gov