The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non-American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels that are operating as catcher vessels (CVs) using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, February 5, 2023, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 sideboard limit of the total allowable catch apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels operating as CVs using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 680.22(e)(3).
While this closure is effective 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.
