INFORMATION BULLETIN (04-15)                                                        February 5, 2004     
 Sustainable Fisheries Division                                                        3:00 p.m.              
907-586-7228    

                                
         NMFS NOTIFIES HALIBUT CHARTER FISHERY OF 2004
           GUIDELINE HARVEST LEVEL IN AREAS 2C AND 3A

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is notifying owners and operators of guided sport
halibut fishing operations (charter fishery) of the guideline harvest level (GHL) for International
Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) management areas 2C and 3A according to James W.
Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

The GHL for the charter fishery in IPHC area 2C is 1,432,000 pounds, and a GHL in the IPHC
regulatory area 3A of 3,650,000 pounds.  These GHLs were determined in accordance with
regulations at 50 CFR part 300.65(i).

This action is necessary to provide notification of the GHLs and is issued pursuant to regulations
at 50 CFR 300.65(i)(2).  The GHL does not limit harvest by the charter fishery and is a
notification only.  No additional regulatory measures are imposed on the charter fishery.