IB 00-72: Trawling for Groundfish is Prohibited in Designated Critical Habitat for Steller Sea Lions

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) prohibits all groundfish trawl fishing within Steller sea lion critical habitat, as defined at 50 CFR 226.202, west of 144 W longitude. This closure, promulgated by an emergency rule and issued pursuant to an order by the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, will remain in effect until the order is rescinded by the Court according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

On August 7, 2000, the Court issued an order that granted a motion for a partial injunction of the North Pacific groundfish fisheries. This motion requested injunctive relief in the form of the above closure until NMFS issues a legally adequate biological opinion addressing the combined, overall effects of the North Pacific groundfish fisheries on the Steller sea lion and its critical habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. Scheduled completion of the comprehensive biological opinion is October 31, 2000. Until the Court rescinds its order, NMFS will specify the critical habitat areas closed pursuant to the injunction at 50 CFR 679.22(j).

This information bulletin provides notice of a regulatory change. Do not rely on it to guide you in complying with the regulatory requirements. Please refer to regulations at 50 CFR Sections 223.202, 226.202, and 679.22(j), and the preamble to the emergency rule for more information and the specific areas affected by this closure. Further information on the closure may also be found at the NMFS Alaska Region website.