IB 01-81: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Shallow-Water Species by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the GOA

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), according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This closure is effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 5, 2001, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 1, 2001.

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.

This action is necessary because the forth seasonal apportionment of the 2001 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught and is issued pursuant to 679.21(d)(7)(i).

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 only provides notice of a regulatory change. For the purposes of complying with the regulatory change, you are advised to see the actual text of the regulation in the Code of Federal Regulations.