The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, December 21, 2023, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 total allowable catch apportioned to catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii).
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.
