Sector Allocations
The term “allocation” refers to the distribution of the opportunity to participate in a fishery among user groups or individuals. The Council has often used a formula or the distribution of landings over time to determine percentage allocations.
There are 10 National Standards within the Magnuson-Stevens Act that Councils must follow in fishery management plans to ensure sustainable management. National Standard 4 outlines how to address the allocation of fishery resources:
Conservation and management measures shall not discriminate between residents of different states. If it becomes necessary to allocate or assign fishing privileges among various United States fishermen, such allocation shall be (a) fair and equitable to all such fishermen; (b) reasonably calculated to promote conservation; and (c) carried out in such manner that no particular individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of such privilege.
In 2019, the Council approved its Allocation review Trigger Policy to ensure all species for which there are sector allocations (commercial and recreational, including for-hire) would be reviewed on a regular basis and to formalize the allocation review triggers and process.
In 2022, the Council approved an Allocations Decision Tool to help incorporate other sources of information, in addition to landings, into allocation decisions.
Allocations Resources
Current Allocations
*Allocation review dates refer to initial implementation or when the allocation review report is approved.