Alaska Shellfish Regulations: Present Impacts on Fishery Participants

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Abstract
The 1975‐1976 Alaska shellfish regulations for the Gulf of Alaska west of Yakutat and the Eastern Bering Sea are analyzed from the standpoint of effects (beyond the stated intent of the regulations, in most cases) of apportioning the catch of king crab, tanner crab, and shrimp among types of participant vessels. Some relationships to previous and subsequent fishing yearsˈ regulations are discussed. Allocation effects of some potential regulatory changes are qualitatively projected. Effective shellfish catch allocation appears to result from the following: exclusive area regulations; pot limits and presoak regulations; seasonal catch allocations and gear restrictions for shrimp; scheduling of season openings; and king crab regulation for multiple year classes. Stock conservation (including catch monitoring) aspects of the regulations are recognized in importance but not treated in detail except as they bear upon catch apportionment effects. Possible side effects of the shellfish regulations upon the potential for a U.S. groundfish trawl fishery are explored. These effects arise from present shellfish combination vessels being likely components of the regionˈs future groundfish trawl fleet (so that shellfish regulations may affect these vesselsˈ willingness or availability to catch groundfish), and from incidental catch problems should these vessels enter a groundfish fishery.

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