The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of "other species" in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area, effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, October 16, 2004, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the "other species" total allowable catch in this area has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2). "Other species" includes sculpins, sharks, skates and octopus.
NMFS is requiring that catches of "other species" in this 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 04-94: NMFS Prohibits Retention of "Other Species" in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
October 14, 2004 - 3:30 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
