Incorporating ecosystem considerations into management of Bering Sea groundfish fisheries

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has made significant progress toward ecosystem-based management of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands area. First and foremost, the council has taken a precautionary approach to extraction of fish resources. As a result, all groundfish stocks covered under the fishery management plan are considered healthy and not overfished. Potential impacts of fishing on other ecosystem components such as marine mammals and seabirds are also considered. The council's approach involves public participation, reliance on scientific research and advice, conservative catch quotas, comprehensive monitoring and enforcement, bycatch controls, habitat conservation areas, and other biological and socioeconomic considerations.