Which statement correctly describes de minimis allowances in PFMC bycatch management?

• A. They require all bycatch to be discarded immediately.
• B. They impose a complete ban on bycatch.
• C. They allow limited bycatch of non-target species under specified conditions.
• D. They remove observer coverage for certain vessels.

Answer: (C)

De minimis allowances are thresholds that let a small amount of bycatch of non-target species be kept or landed under specific conditions, rather than requiring zero bycatch. They’re used to reduce waste and provide practical flexibility when bycatch is incidental but kept within agreed limits, with rules about when and how much can be kept, verified, and reported. This is why the correct description is the one that says limited bycatch of non-target species is allowed under specified conditions. They are not a blanket ban on bycatch, nor do they remove observer coverage.