IB 07-1: NMFS Lowers the 2007 A and B Season Allowances for Pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is lowering the A and B season allowances for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, January 16, 2007, according to Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

NMFS is lowering the A season allowance of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA from 8,910 metric tons (mt) to 7,357 mt. NMFS is also lowering the B season allowance of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA from 10,663 mt to 8,924 mt.

This action is necessary because NMFS has determined that the current 2007 A and B season allowances for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA are incorrectly specified. The current allowances are higher than the appropriate allowances derived from the latest stock assessment information. The 2007 TACs and seasonal allowances are scheduled to be updated in late February 2007, based on the latest stock assessments. However, the pollock fishery is likely to harvest all of the 2007 A and B season apportionment before the updated February 2007 harvest specifications are effective. NMFS must therefore lower the allowances prior to the February update. This action is based on the best available scientific information.

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.