The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing directed fishing by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 13, 2002, until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2002, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS. 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 2002 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limit for trawl gear 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.
IB 02-88: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Groundfish by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the GOA
October 10, 2002 - 4:30 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
