IB 04-29: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing For Deep-Water Species By Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 19, 2004, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2004, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are all rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish.

This action is necessary because the first seasonal apportionment of the 2004 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.21(d)(7)(i).

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.