IB 99-101: NMFS Closing the "Other Gear" Atka Mackerel Fishery in the Eastern Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel for vessels using "other gear" in the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area, effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, September 7, 1999, according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 1999 initial total allowable catch of Atka mackerel allocated to vessels using "other gear" in these areas and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii). "Other gear" includes all authorized gear types except for jig gear.

After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable bycatch amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

This information bulletin provides notice that a regulatory change has occurred. Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with the regulatory change.