INFORMATION BULLETIN (04-55)                                                July 20, 2004      
 Sustainable Fisheries Division                                              3:00 p.m.     
907-586-7228



         NMFS PROHIBITS RETENTION OF "OTHER ROCKFISH" 
     IN THE WESTERN REGULATORY AREA OF THE GULF OF ALASKA 


The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of "other rockfish" in the
Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, July 22,
2004, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary because the "other rockfish" total allowable catch in this area has been
reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).      

NMFS is requiring that catches of "other rockfish" in this subarea be treated in the same manner
as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury in accordance with 50 CFR
679.21(b).  
                                        
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.