INFORMATION BULLETIN (02-12)         January 24, 2002   
 Sustainable Fisheries Division       11:00 a.m.             
 907-586-7228                           

                                
                                
            NMFS OPENS DIRECTED FISHING FOR POLLOCK 
   IN STATISTICAL AREA 630 OF THE GULF OF ALASKA FOR 24 HOURS
                                
                                
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is opening
directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 (between
147 degrees and 154 degrees W. longitudes) of the Gulf of
Alaska for 24 hours effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time
(A.l.t.), January 29, 2002, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., January
30, 2002, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator,
Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to fully use the first seasonal
apportionment of the total allowable catch of pollock
specified for area 630.  Other closures remain in full force
and effect.  After the effective date of this closure, maximum
retainable bycatch 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 of the
regulation in the Code of Federal Regulations.