The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-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 23, 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 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified to the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.21(d)(7)(i).
The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are all rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish.
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 00-76: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Deep-Water Species by Trawl Gear in the GOA
August 21, 2000 - 3:30 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
