INFORMATION BULLETIN #00-64          July 21, 2000     
 Sustainable Fisheries Division       4:30 p.m.                 
 907-586-7228                         

                                
                                
             NMFS PROHIBITS RETENTION OF SABLEFISH 
                  BY VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR
     IN THE CENTRAL REGULATORY AREA OF THE GULF OF ALASKA 


The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting
retention of sablefish by vessels using trawl gear in the Central
Regulatory Area (Statistical Areas 620 and 630, between 147
degrees and 159 degrees W. longitudes) of the Gulf of Alaska,
effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, July 24, 2000, according 
to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary because the allocation of the sablefish
TAC assigned to trawl gear in this area has been reached and is
issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2). 
  
NMFS is requiring that catches of sablefish by vessels using
trawl gear in this subarea be treated in the same manner as
prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury.

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.