An initial assessment of the Bering Sea Pollock population given to scientists and industry leaders this week reveals that an "acceptable biological catch" of 815,000 metric tons will be available in 2009. The catch level reportedly could be the lowest in the $1 billion fishery's history.
The initial assessment by the Alaska Marine Fisheries Service shows the current class of younger pollock will reach harvest size in 2010, and thus that year's catch level could rise to 1.2 million metric tons.
The Bering Sea Groundfish Plan Team will meet next week to make a recommendation to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for the total allowable catch (TAC).
The council will meet in Anchorage, Alaska, in December to issue a final TAC, which then has to be approved by the Department of Commerce.
