The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 14, 2018, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, 2018, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2018 total allowable catch apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA 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.
