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 (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, July 29, 2005, according to Ronald J. Berg, Acting-Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the "other rockfish" total allowable catch in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).
NMFS is requiring that catches of "other rockfish" in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury.
"Other rockfish" consists of all slope and demersal shelf rockfish.
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 05-60: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Other Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
July 28, 2005 - 3:45 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
