The DEIS is an analysis of the environmental impacts of proposed management measures to minimize chum salmon bycatch (Oncorhynchus keta) in the Bering Sea pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) fishery, particularly bycatch of chum salmon of western Alaska origin. The management measures being considered include:

• A limit on chum salmon bycatch;

• A limit on chum salmon bycatch that would apply only during lower chum salmon abundance;

• Additional chum salmon avoidance measures managed by formal fishermen agreements; and

• A limit on chum salmon bycatch that triggers a temporary closure of an area with historically higher rates of bycatch of chum salmon from Western Alaska.

National Marine Fisheries Service will be accepting written comments from the public on the proposed alternatives in the DEIS until January 5, 2026.

Comments may be submitted electronically through the www.regulations.gov portal by entering NOAA-NMFS-2023-0089 in the search box, or by mail to:

Jonathan M. Kurland, Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668.

View document and more information here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/draft-environmental-impact-statement-and-regulatory-impact-review-proposed