The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for groundfish by catcher vessels (C/Vs) using hook-and-line gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 11, 2016, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, 2016, according to James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This prohibition does not apply to directed fishing for demersal shelf rockfish by vessels using hook-and-line gear in those portions of the GOA open to directed fishing for demersal shelf rockfish (DSR). The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) manages the DSR fishery in accordance with the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. Contact the ADF&G Sitka area office (907-747-6688) for the latest information about DSR fishery openings and closures.
This action is necessary because the first seasonal apportionment of the 2016 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the other hook-and-line fishery by C/Vs in the GOA has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.21(d)(6)(ii).
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.
