The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective from 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 11, 2000, until 12 noon, A.l.t., October 1, 2000, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the third seasonal apportionment of the 2000 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught. It is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.21(d)(7)(i).
The species and species groups that comprise the shallow-water species fishery are: pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, and "other species." This closure does not apply to fishing for pollock by vessels using pelagic trawl gear in those portions of the GOA open to directed fishing for pollock.
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.
IB 00-73: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Shallow-Water Species by Trawl Gear in the GOA
August 10, 2000 - 12:00 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
