The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are all rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish.
This closure is effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 24, 1999, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 1999.
This action is necessary because the first seasonal apportionment of the 1999 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified to the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught and is issued pursuant to 679.21(d)(7)(i).
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.
IB 99-36: NMFS Closing Trawling for Deep-Water Species in the GOA
March 19, 1999 - 2:00 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
