Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, informed that the authority has revealed Atka mackerel fishery dates for the harvest limit area (HLA) fisheries in areas 542 and 543. It is said that for the Amendment 80 cooperative, the first directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and area 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 3, 2008.
According to NMFS the first HLA fisheries in area 542 and area 543 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 13, 2008. The second directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and area 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 15, 2008. The second HLA fisheries in area 542 and area 543 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 25, 2008.
NMFS also said that for vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access sector, the first directed fisheries in the HLA in area 542 and area 543 open effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 3, 2008. It also said that for the BSAI trawl limited access sector, the first directed fishery in the HLA in area 542 opens effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 3, 2008. The first HLA fishery in area 542 will remain open until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 13, 2008.
NMFS explained that the above action is necessary to conduct directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the HLA in areas 542 and 543 and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(a)(8)(iii)(C) and 50 CFR 679.20(a)(8)(iii)(E). After the effective date of this closure, the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
