This final regulatory amendment will permanently extend the existing regulations that establish and govern the voluntary Pacific halibut donation program. Under this program, Pacific halibut that is taken incidentally in groundfish trawl fisheries off Alaska may be donated for consumption by economically disadvantaged individuals rather than discarded, as normally required. This program has operated successfully over the last two years and extending it permanently would not have any adverse impacts on target or non-target species; nor would it have adverse impacts on protected species.

Environmental Assessment

Alaska, Gulf of

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)