IB 04-23: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing For Pacific Cod By Vessels Catching Pacific Cod For Processing By The Offshore Component In The Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area (Statistical Area 610, between 159 degrees and 170 degrees W. longitudes) of the Gulf of Alaska, effective 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 8, 2004, through 12 noon, A.l.t., September 1, 2004, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season 2004 total allowable catch specification of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii).

After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 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 in the Code of Federal Regulations.