The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 1, 2019, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the annual allowance of the 2019 total allowable catch apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii). This closure does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the cooperative fishery of the Rockfish Program for the Central GOA.
While this closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
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.
