The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of sablefish by vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area (Statistical Areas 620 and 630, between 147 degrees and 159 degrees W. longitudes) of the Gulf of Alaska, effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, July 26, 2003, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the allocation of the sablefish total allowable catch assigned to trawl gear in this area has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).
NMFS is requiring that catches of sablefish by vessels using trawl gear in this subarea be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury.
This information bulletin only provides notice of a regulatory change. For the purposes of complying with the regulatory change, you are advised to see the actual text of the regulation in the Code of Federal Regulations.
IB 03-55: NMFS Prohibits Retention Of Sablefish By Vessels Using Trawl Gear In The Central Regulatory Area Of The Gulf Of Alaska
July 23, 2003 - 9:30 a.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
