[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 37 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4137]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 24, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 672

[Docket No. 931199-4042; I.D. 021794B]

 

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is closing the directed fishery for pollock in 
Statistical Area 63 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary to prevent exceeding the first quarter total allowable catch 
(TAC) for pollock in this area.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 18, 1994, 
until the second quarter's allowance becomes available.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew N. Smoker, Resource Management 
Specialist, Fisheries Management Division, NMFS, (907) 586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive 
economic zone is managed by the Secretary of Commerce according to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA (FMP) prepared by the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the 
Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Fishing by U.S. 
vessels is governed by regulations implementing the FMP at 50 CFR parts 
620 and 672.

    The first quarterly allowance of pollock TAC in Statistical Area 63 
is 14,000 metric tons (mt), determined in accordance with 
Sec. 672.20(a)(2)(iv).
    The Director of the Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Director), has 
determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), that the 1994 
first quarterly allowance of pollock TAC in Statistical Area 63 soon 
will be reached. The Regional Director established a directed fishing 
allowance of 13,500 mt, and has set aside the remaining 500 mt as 
bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. The Regional 
Director has determined that the directed fishing allowance has been 
reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock 
in Statistical Area 63, effective from 12 noon, A.l.t., February 18, 
1994, until the second quarter's allowance becomes available.
    Directed fishing standards for applicable gear types may be found 
in the regulations at Sec. 672.20(g).

Classification

    This action is taken under 50 CFR 672.20.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 672

    Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.


    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: February 17, 1994.
David Crestin,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-4137 Filed 2-18-94; 2:59 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P