IB 02-73: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Other Rockfish in the Bering Sea Subarea of the BSAI

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of other rockfish in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area, effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time, September 4, 2002, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary because the amount of the 2002 total allowable catch of other rockfish in this area has been achieved and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).

NMFS is requiring that catches of other rockfish in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury, in accordance with 50 CFR 679.21(b).

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.