IB 06-89: NMFS Opens the Chiniak Gully Research Area to Trawl Groundfish Fishing in the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is opening the Chiniak Gully Research Area to directed fishing for groundfish by vessels using trawl gear effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, September 6, 2006, according to Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

The Chiniak Gully Research Area is closed to trawl fisheries from August 1 to a date no later than September 20 from 2006 through 2010, as a control for research by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) on the effects of the pollock fishery on pollock abundance and distribution. The AFSC will conclude research on September 6, 2006. Therefore, pursuant to 50 CFR 679.22(b)(6)(ii)(B), NMFS is opening the Chiniak Gully Research Area.

This action removes an unnecessary restriction on the trawl fishing industry and facilitates the full harvest of the total allowable catch amounts in the Gulf of Alaska.

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.