INFORMATION BULLETIN #00-86         September 19, 2000     
 Sustainable Fisheries Division      9:00 a.m.                  
 907-586-7228                         

                                
                                
      TRAWLING FOR GROUNDFISH IS PROHIBITED IN DESIGNATED
             CRITICAL HABITAT FOR STELLER SEA LIONS

Fishermen are reminded that all groundfish trawl fishing within
Steller sea lion critical habitat west of 144øW longitude is
prohibited pursuant to an order issued by the United States
District Court for the Western District of Washington.  This
prohibition will remain in effect until the order is rescinded by
the Court, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS.

Fishermen are encouraged to refer to the interim rule published
in the Federal Register (65 FR 49766, August 15, 2000) for
specific information on the areas closed to groundfish trawl
fishing.  The interim rule and further information on the
groundfish trawl closure is available at www.fakr.noaa.gov. 
Please contact NMFS at 1-907-586-7228 if questions exist
regarding which areas are closed to groundfish trawl fishing.