NSEDC is planning to harvest its allocation of rock sole (about 200 metric tons) in conjunction with yellowfin sole (roughly 300 metric tons) and other flatfish CDQ using the F/V Seafreeze Alaska. The ability of NSEDC to conduct this fishery will be limited by available bycatch species and market conditions. This has not been a productive and lucrative fishery for NSEDC in the past because of these bycatch concerns and relatively low value of the product.

The vessels will employ bottom trawl fishing gear to take the rock sole CDQ during allowable seasons outside of the open access fishery in May-June, July-August and October-November. The fish will be processed on-board the vessels and marketed through U.S. Seafood LLC, and their brokers. The fishery will be conducted in allowable regulatory areas in both the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands.