The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, February 17, 2012, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2012 Pacific cod total allowable catch specified for catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii).
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 fishery management action. For the purposes of complying with any requirements of this action, you are advised to see the actual text of the action in the Federal Register.
IB 12-15: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by Catcher Vessels Less than 60 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
February 15, 2012 - 9:30 a.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
