The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of "other rockfish" in the Central Regulatory Area (Statistical Areas 620 and 630, between 147 degrees and 159 degrees W. longitudes) of the Gulf of Alaska, effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, August 6, 2003, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the allocation of the 2003 total allowable catch of "other rockfish" in this area has been achieved and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2). "Other rockfish" in the Central Regulatory Area means slope rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish.
NMFS is requiring that catches of "other rockfish" in this regulatory area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury.
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 03-62: NMFS Prohibits The Retention Of In the Central Regulatory Area Of The Gulf Of Alaska
August 01, 2003 - 11:30 a.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
