Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for Alaska Groundfish Fisheries 2011
Protection Measures in the Alaska Groundfish Fisheries
NMFS uses Steller sea lion protection measures (SSLPM) to ensure the groundfish fisheries off Alaska are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the western population of Steller sea lions or adversely modify their critical habitat. The management measures disperse fishing over time and area to protect against potential competition for important Steller sea lion prey species near rookeries and important haulouts.
Regulations
- 50 CFR 679
- Tables of SSL Protection Areas:
- 50 CFR 226
- 50 CFR 223
- Groundfish Harvest Specifications
Final and Interim Rules
- 76 FR 2027, January 12, 2011. NMFS extends the public comment period for the interim final rule to implement Steller sea lion protection measures. Comment period through February 28, 2011.
- 75 FR 81921, December 29, 2010. Corrections to the Steller sea lion protection measures interim rule, 75 FR 77535, December 13, 2010, to amend one error in the preamble and one typographical error, and content within regulatory tables. Effective January 1, 2011.
- 75 FR 77535, December 13, 2010. Interim final rule to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to insure that the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area groundfish fisheries off Alaska are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions or adversely modify its designated critical habitat. Effective January 1, 2011. Comments must be received by January 12, 2011.
Related Regulations
Maps
- Pacific Cod Non-Trawl (updated 05/10/11)
- Pacific Cod Trawl (updated 05/10/11)
- Atka Mackerel and Pollock (updated 05/10/11)
- SSLPM ArcReader Files: download, view, query, navigate and print the Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures charts
Analyses
- 77 FR 22750, April 17, 2012. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on Steller sea lion protection measures for the BSAI groundfish fisheries for the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Comment period through October 15, 2012. NEW!
- EIS on Steller sea lion protection measures: Notices and related documents
- Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review: Revisions to the Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area Groundfish Fisheries, November 2010
- Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review Errata (Updated: 12/08/2010)
- Finding of No Significant Impact
- Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Fisheries Section 7 Consultation - Biological Opinion, December 2010
- Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on SSL Protection Measures, 2001
- Historical Analyses
SSL Mitigation Committee
The North Pacific Fisheries Management Council established a Steller Sea Lion Committee in January 2001 to review scientific and commercial data and provide recommendations for Steller sea lion protection measures.
Co-Management Agreements
- Agreement (PDF) Between the Aleut Community of St. George Island and NMFS, 2001
- Agreement (PDF) Between the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island and NMFS, 2000