The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
The species and species groups that comprise the shallow-water species fishery are: pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, and "other species." 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.), April 1, 1999, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., July 4, 1999.
This action is necessary because the second seasonal apportionment of the 1999 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery 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 that a regulatory change has occurred. Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with the regulatory change.
IB 99-38: NMFS Closing Trawling for Shallow-Water Species in the GOA
March 31, 1999 - 11:30 a.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
