INFORMATION BULLETIN (03-77)                 September 18, 2003
Protected Resources Division                 2:00 p.m.
907-586-7235
                                 
 NMFS ANNOUNCES THE INCIDENTAL TAKE LIMITS ESTABLISHED FOR THE 
           ENDANGERED SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS IN THE 
                  ALASKA GROUNDFISH FISHERIES
                                
                                
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently issued two
biological opinions on the effects of the groundfish fisheries
off Alaska on certain seabird species listed under the Endangered
Species Act.  One opinion is at the programmatic level and
addresses the effects of the Fishery Management Plans for the
Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI)
groundfish fisheries on listed species.  The other biological
opinion is on the effects of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC)-
setting process for the GOA and the BSAI groundfish fisheries on
the listed species and includes incidental take limits for the
endangered short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus),
according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region,
NMFS.  
Both opinions conclude that the GOA and BSAI fishery actions are
not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the short-
tailed albatross or Steller's eider (Polysticta stelleri), or
result in adverse modification of Steller's eider critical
habitat.  No critical habitat has been designated for the short-
tailed albatross; therefore none will be affected.  The USFWS
also concurred with NMFS' determination that these actions are
not likely to adversely affect the threatened spectacled eider
(Somateria fischeri), based on this species' behavior and
distribution relative to fishing activities in the BSAI and GOA. 
The biological opinions can be found on the NMFS Alaska Region
website at
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/section7/biop.htm
The USFWS anticipates that up to four short-tailed albatross
could be taken every two years in the hook-and-line groundfish
fishery off Alaska and that up to two short-tailed albatross
could be taken in the groundfish trawl fishery off Alaska over
the time period in which the biological opinion remains in effect
(approximately 5 years).  These incidental take limits are in
addition to the take limit established in 1998 for the Pacific
halibut hook-and-line fishery off Alaska, two short-tailed
albatrosses in a two year period.  If the level of anticipated
take is exceeded in any of these fisheries, NMFS must immediately
reinitiate a consultation with the USFWS to review the need for
possible modification to the fishery.  Modifications could range
from changes to requirements for seabird avoidance measures to
fishery closures.  The exact modifications cannot be predicted at
this time.
NMFS reminds fishermen using hook-and-line gear that seabird
avoidance measures are required by regulation.  Changes to the
current requirements are forthcoming.  A proposed rule (68 FR
6386, February 7, 2003) called for the use of paired streamer
lines, with specified performance and material standards, for
larger vessels.  NMFS will publicize the new requirements.
When a short-tailed albatross is observed following a fishing
vessel, every effort should be made to minimize the possibility
of the bird becoming entangled with the gear.  NMFS requests that
you do the following:
     a) Change the vessel's heading or speed, to discourage the
     bird from following.
     b) If no sets are in progress: (1) avoid initiating a set
     while the bird is in sight and (2) avoid offal discharge in
     the presence of short-tailed albatross to discourage their
     association with the fishing vessel.  
     c)  If a short-tailed albatross appears to be attacking
     baited hooks despite the use of required bird avoidance
     mechanisms, gear should be deployed without bait, or gear
     deployment should be suspended, until the albatross
     discontinues attacks on the gear. 
NMFS requests that fishermen continue to report all observations
of short-tailed albatross to the USFWS via their reporting forms. 
The forms can be found at 
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/repform.pdf
Any gear-related mortalities of this endangered species are to be
reported as well.
In an effort to promote the conservation of seabirds, the USFWS
and NMFS, in cooperation with other partners, are providing
paired streamer lines free of charge to fishing vessel owners and
operators.  For a list of streamer line distribution centers, go
to http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/streamers.htm
For additional information about the requirements of the USFWS
biological opinions, the free streamer line program, or any
aspects of NMFS's Seabird Bycatch Reduction Program, please see
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds.html
or contact the NMFS Seabird Coordinator, Kim Rivera, at 907-586-
7424, Kim.Rivera@noaa.gov