The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will close the sablefish fixed gear fisheries managed under the IFQ program at 12:00 noon, Alaska local time, November 15, 2000. This fishery will close concurrently with the IFQ season for Pacific halibut announced by the International Pacific Halibut Commission, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
Persons that have remaining sablefish IFQ after the effective date of this closure must retain sablefish up to the maximum retainable bycatch amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) until all their remaining sablefish IFQ is used. Persons that have remaining halibut IFQ after the effective date of this closure must treat halibut as a prohibited species and return it to the sea.
This information bulletin provides notice that a season closure has occurred. Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with all the requirements of the IFQ program. To obtain information concerning the regulatory requirements of the IFQ program contact the Sustainable Fisheries Division, NMFS, 907-586-7228.
IB 00-96: NMFS Closes Sablefish Fixed Gear Fisheries Managed under IFQ Program
November 03, 2000 - 8:30 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
