The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of Pacific cod by catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 19, 2014, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2014, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific cod apportioned to trawl catcher/processors in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).
NMFS is requiring that catches of Pacific cod by catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury, in accordance with 50 CFR 679.21(b).
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.
