The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is modifying a September 29, 1999, directed fishing closure for pollock by vessels catching pollock for processing by the inshore component in the critical habitat/catcher vessel operational area (CH/CVOA) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI), according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS. The modification exempts catcher vessels less than or equal to 99 feet length over all (LOA) from this closure. This modification is applicable from the effective date of the original closure at 12 noon, Alaska local time, September 29, 1999.
This modification is necessary to allow for continued fishing by inshore catcher vessels less than or equal to 99 feet LOA consistent with 50 CFR 679.22(a)(11)(iv)(C)(2).
The closure remains in full force and effect for inshore catcher vessels greater than 99 feet LOA.
This information bulletin provides notice of a regulatory change. Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with the regulatory change.
IB 99-125: NMFS is Modifying a Directed Fishing Closure for Inshore Critical Habitat/Catcher Vessel Operation Area Pollock
October 01, 1999 - 12:00 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
