In the waters described in 5 AAC 31.210(a), the commercial spot shrimp fishery may only open if the estimated biomass is at least 40 percent of K, as set out under 5 AAC 55.055(d). The guideline harvest level for the commercial pot gear fishery in the waters described in 5 AAC 31.210(a) is 40 percent of the total allowable harvest for the area. The department will, to the extent practicable, manage the fishery to allow not more than 50 percent of the guideline harvest level to be taken from any one statistical area. The commissioner will open and close fishing seasons by emergency order, during which pot limits, time, or area may be adjusted to achieve the 50 percent statistical area harvest target.

(Eff. 8/23/2009, Register 191; am 7/13/2012, Register 203; am 5/24/2015, Register 214)

Authority: AS 16.05.060, AS 16.05.251