IB 99-12: Closing Pollock in the Western GOA

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 (between 159 degrees and 170 degrees W. longitudes) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 31, 1999, according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 1999 interim specification of total allowable catch established by the 1999 Interim Specifications and amended by the emergency interim rule implementing Steller sea lion protection measures for the pollock fisheries off Alaska. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii).

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.