The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing directed fishing by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS. This closure does not apply to fishing for pollock by vessels using pelagic trawl gear in those portions of the GOA open to directed fishing for pollock.
This closure is effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 16, until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 1999.
This action is necessary because the 1999 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limit for trawl gear 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 of a regulatory change. Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with the regulatory change.
IB 99-137: NMFS Closes Trawl Gear in the GOA
October 14, 1999 - 4:10 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
