The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 25, 1999, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., July 4, 1999, according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary because the second seasonal apportionment of the 1999 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified to the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught and is issued pursuant to 679.21(d)(7)(i).
The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are all rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish.
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 99-46: NMFS Closing Deep-Water Species for Trawl Gear in the GOA
April 22, 1999 - 4:40 p.m.
Notice of a fishery management action.
