This document provides background information analyses on modifications affecting regulations for the shorebased fishery using midwater gear to target Pacific whiting (whiting) as well as nonwhiting groundfish species that have been recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). The proposed action would require an amendment to the regulations implementing the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The proposed action must conform to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the principal legal basis for fishery management within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends from the outer boundary of the territorial sea to a distance of 200 nautical miles from shore. In addition to addressing MSA mandates, this environmental assessment (EA) assesses the impacts of the Council's final preferred action alternative (PFMC 2012a) relative to the No Action Alternative, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)