Comment from Susan Zagorski

Dear Decision Maker, In response to NMFS opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 96 hours (NOAA-NMFS-2012-0180-0012) I would like to agree with NMFS on opening the directed fishing for pollock in GOA 630 for a limited time. Alaskan fisheries are one of America’s last remaining thriving resources and it is very important that the fisheries are managed properly for economic and environmental purposes. By fully using the TAC the local economy is supported and there not an overabundance of pollock left in the ocean. Since TAC is calculated based on the ABC and OFL the TAC should be used fully. If it is not it may leave too many pollock in the population which could affect the population dynamics. Since the populations are taken into account to determine the TAC, it should be used fully to ensure the fishery will continue stay healthy. Keeping the ocean healthy and abundant will keep the fisheries up and running. Having healthy fisheries gives a boost to the United States economy and especially to the local Alaskan community. I support the decision of NMFS to open GOA 630 for directed pollock fishing for a certain amount of time in the season. Please accept this comment and continue to support the success and growth of the pollock fisheries of Alaska.