The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for groundfish by vessels using hook-and-line gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) except for sablefish and demersal shelf rockfish, effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 24, 1999, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., May 18, 1998, according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the first seasonal bycatch mortality allowance of Pacific halibut apportioned to hook-and-line gear targeting groundfish other than sablefish and demersal shelf groundfish in the GOA has been caught and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.21(d)(7)(ii).
Maximum retainable bycatch amounts may be found in the regulations at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f).
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 99-45: NMFS Closing Hook-and-Line Gear in the GOA
April 22, 1999 - 4:40 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
