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NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Shallow-Water Species by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
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), effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 7, 2008, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t.,
September 1, 2008, according to Robert D. Mecum, Acting 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, skates and "other species."
This inseason action 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 inseason action does not
apply to vessels fishing under a cooperative quota permit in the cooperative fishery in the
Rockfish Pilot Program for the Central GOA.
This action is necessary because the third seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut
bycatch allowance specified for the shallow-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached
and 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.
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