Why is winter a critical time to Steller sea lions? What research papers show that this is important?
• Surveys should be conducted at night as well as during the day. • The following list follows the discussion of the possible alternatives: GOA – June 1 would not work because of halibut bycatch. • Quarterly allocation may work in GOA. • GOA would like to see a gear/vessel split. • Prohibited species bycatch amounts are set annually and could be changed to account for a change in season. • How will new seasonal allocations affect incidental catch and bycatch? • One fisherman suggested that the entire GOA P. cod TAC be allocated to pot gear only to alleviate pulse fishing. • Changing the seasonal regime would cause severe changes in bycatch patterns. • Start fishing for fixed gear January 1 instead of January 20. Start second season July 1. • A similar parallel action would be needed with the State of Alaska. • Any action could cause problems between small and large boats. • NMFS needs to move towards rationalization of the fishery. • NMFS should make sure that they collect the informat
