Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit

This notice announces receipt of an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application from Mr. Cory Lescher and Dr. Bradley Harris, Alaska Pacific University. If granted, this EFP would allow up to five Amendment 80 vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area yellowfin and rock sole fisheries to retain red king crab (RKC; Paralithodes camtschaticus) bycatch on board for periods of no more than 72 hours during the 2019 BSAI flatfish fisheries' ``A'' season. Two concurrent studies would be conducted under this EFP. A whole-haul RKC census study would provide a comparison of whole-haul census of RKC to haul-level estimates of RKC generated from NMFS- certified observer (observer) sampling to determine the ability of current prohibited species catch (PSC) rate estimations to accurately account for RKC PSC in these fisheries. Then, an at-sea viability study would examine factors that influence RKC PSC mortality and survival. The objective of the EFP application is to provide improved understanding of RKC PSC mortality, such as shell crushing, and variables that affect it. This proposed project has the potential to promote the objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.