INFORMATION BULLETIN (00-23)         February 22, 2000
 Sustainable Fisheries Division       8:55 a.m.                 
 907-586-7228                           

                                
                                
        NMFS OPENS THE DIRECTED PACIFIC COD FISHERY FOR 
   NON-EXEMPT AFA CATCHER VESSELS IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL
            REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA 
                                

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is opening the
directed fishery for Pacific cod by catcher vessels that are non-
exempt under the American Fisheries Act (AFA) in Western and
Central Regulatory area of the Gulf of Alaska.  This opening is
effective at 12 noon, Alaska local time, February 23, 2000,
according to Steven Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to allow non-exempt AFA catcher vessels 
to participate in the directed fishery for Pacific cod consistent
with regulations implementing the AFA.  Other closures remain in
full force and effect.

This information bulletin provides notice of a regulatory change. 
Do not rely upon it to guide you in complying with the regulatory
change.