The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, September 1, 2023, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the 2023 total allowable catch of Pacific cod apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2)).
NMFS is requiring that Pacific cod caught by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall using hook-and-line gear in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and be discarded at sea with a minimum of injury.
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.
