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NMFS Closes Trawlingfor Deep-Water Species in the GOA
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), according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are rockfish as defined at 50 CFR 679.2, deep water flatfish (Dover sole, Greenland turbot and deepsea sole), rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish.
This closure is effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 21, 1999, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 1, 1999.
This action is necessary because the third 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 50 CFR 679.21(d)(7)(i).
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.
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