The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for groundfish by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), November 6, 2008, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2008, according to Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
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 also does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the cooperative fishery in the Rockfish Pilot Program for the Central GOA.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limit for vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.21(d)(7)(i).
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.
This information bulletin only provides notice of a regulatory change. For the purposes of complying with the regulatory change, you are advised to see the actual text in the Code of Federal Regulations.
