The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the setting of experimental pot gear in the Cape Sarichef research area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area from February 3, 2003, through February 22, 2003, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
The setting of experimental pots in this area during February is necessary because weather and equipment problems prevented collection of adequate data during a January effort. These efforts are part of NMFS research on the effect of fishing on the localized abundance of Pacific cod and to further the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the BSAI. NMFS will be operating from the chartered F/V PACIFIC STAR. NMFS recognizes that the experimental area will be open to commercial trawlers during this time. The agency plans to set and retrieve gear at night in order to reduce the likelihood of gear conflicts. Every effort will be made to maintain radio contact with vessels fishing nearby. Vessels fishing in the Cape Sarichef area during the above dates are asked to contact the F/V PACIFIC STAR (radio call sign WCE5564). Questions may also be directed to Elizabeth Conners of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center at (206) 526-4465 or liz.conners@noaa.gov.
The Cape Sarichef area consists of waters located outside of the 10 nm no trawl area around Cape Sarichef, 164" 56.8' W long. and 54" 34.30' N lat, and inside the boundary of the following coordinates joined in order by straight lines:
54" 30' N lat., 165" 14' W long.;
54" 35' N lat., 165" 26' W long.;
54" 48' N lat., 165" 04' W long.;
54" 44' N lat., 164" 56' W long.; and,
54" 30' N lat., 165" 14' W long.
IB 03-11: NMFS Setting Experimental Pot Gear In Cape Sarichef Area
January 29, 2003 - 4:20 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
