The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area (Statistical Area 610, between 159 degrees and 170 degrees W. longitudes) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 8, 1999, according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the Interim 1999 Harvest Specifications for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii).
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 99-32: NMFS Closes Pacific Cod in the Western GOA
March 05, 1999 - 2:50 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
