The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) distributed a written policy dated February 7, 2003, that suspended enforcement of the increased retention and utilization (IR/IU) requirements for rock sole and yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) that came into effect on January 1, 2003 (50 CFR 679.27). This policy requires clarification as follows, according to Jim Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries determined it is NOAA Fisheries policy, except in egregious, unusual circumstances, to suspend enforcement of the IR/IU requirements for rock sole and yellowfin sole in all BSAI groundfish fisheries through either June 7, 2003, or until the date that regulatory alternatives to the IR/IU requirements are issued, whichever occurs first.
This information bulletin only provides notice of a new policy to suspend enforcement of specified regulations. Questions regarding this policy should be addressed to NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at 907-586-7225.
IB 03-15: NMFS Clarifies Temporary Suspension Of Enforcement Of The IR/IU Requirements For Yellowfin Sole And Rock Sole In The Bering Sea And Aleutian Islands
February 10, 2003 - 11:45 a.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
