The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing specified fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective February 15, 2000, according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
NMFS is closing directed fishing for:
| Thornyhead rockfish | entire GOA |
| Atka mackerel | entire GOA |
| Sablefish | entire GOA |
| Shortraker/rougheye rockfish | entire GOA |
| "Other Rockfish" | Western and Central Regulatory Areas |
| Deep-water flatfish | Western Regulatory Area |
| Pollock, inshore component | Statistical Areas 610, 620, 630, and Shelikof Strait conservation area |
| Pollock, offshore component | entire GOA |
| Pacific cod | |
| offshore component | Eastern Regulatory Area |
| offshore component | Western Regulatory Area |
These actions are necessary to prevent exceeding specified groundfish total allowable catch amounts established under the Final 2000 Harvest Specifications of Groundfish for the GOA.
After the effective date of this closure, the maximum retainable bycatch amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
This information bulletin provides notice of a regulatory change. Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with the regulatory change.
