The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of “other rockfish” in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, November 13, 2023, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the 2023 total allowable catch of “other rockfish” in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA will be reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).
NMFS is requiring that other rockfish in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA be treated in the same manner as a prohibited species, as described under § 679.21(a), for the remainder of the year, except other rockfish species in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA caught by catcher vessels using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear as described in § 679.20(j).
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.
