IB 08-95: NMFS Announces Atka Mackerel Fishery Dates for Harvest Limit Area Fisheries in Areas 542 and 543

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is announcing Atka mackerel fishery dates for the harvest limit area (HLA) fisheries in areas 542 and 543 according to Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

For the Amendment 80 cooperative, the first directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and area 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 3, 2008. The first HLA fisheries in area 542 and area 543 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 13, 2008. The second directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and area 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 15, 2008. The second HLA fisheries in area 542 and area 543 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 25, 2008.

For vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access sector, the first directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and area 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 3, 2008. The first HLA fisheries in area 542 and 543 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 11, 2008. The second directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 13, 2008. The second HLA fisheries in area 542 and 543 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 21, 2008.

For the BSAI trawl limited access sector, the first directed fishery in the HLA in area 542 opens effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 3, 2008. The first HLA fishery in area 542 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 13, 2008.

This action is necessary to conduct directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the HLA in areas 542 and 543 and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(a)(8)(iii)(C) and 50 CFR 679.20(a)(8)(iii)(E).

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.