IB 08-14: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Shallow-Water Species by Amendment 80 Vessels Subject to Sideboard Limits in the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 23, 2008, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2008, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

The species and species groups that comprise the shallow-water species fishery are pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, skates and "other species."

This action is necessary because the first seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit specified for the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the GOA has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(vi)(C)(2).

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.