[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6229]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 672

[Docket No. 931199-4042; I.D. 031194A]

 

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Modification of a closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is rescinding the closure to directed fishing for Atka 
mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) to 
allow a 48-hour directed fishery. This action is necessary to fully 
utilize the total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in that area.

EFFECTIVE DATE: From 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 14, 
1994, through 12 noon, A.l.t., March 16, 1994, the closure to directed 
fishing for Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 
rescinded; and effective 12 noon A.l.t. March 16, 1994, through 12 
midnight, A.l.t. December 31, 1994, directed fishing for Atka mackerel 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is closed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew N. Smoker, Fishery Biologist, 
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 Gulf of Alaska (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.
    In accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(1)(ii)(B), the annual TAC for 
Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA, was 
established by the final 1994 groundfish specifications (59 FR 7647, 
February 16, 1994), as 2,500 metric tons (mt). The final 1994 
groundfish specifications also closed the directed fishery for Atka 
mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA under 
Sec. 672.20(c)(2).
    The Regional Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, in accordance with 
Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), has determined that the TAC of Atka mackerel in 
the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is sufficient to allow a 48-hour 
directed fishery. Therefore, NMFS is rescinding the closure to directed 
fishing for Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA as 
of 12 noon A.l.t., March 14, 1994.
    In accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), the Regional Director has 
established a directed fishing allowance of 2,300 mt, with the 
remaining 200 mt to be taken as incidental catch in directed fishing 
for other species in the area. The Regional Director has determined 
that the directed fishing allowance will be attained by a 48-hour 
directed fishery for Atka mackerel. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting 
directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of 
the GOA, effective from 12 noon, A.l.t., March 16, 1994, until 12 
midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1994.

Classification

    This action is taken under Sec. 672.20.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 672

    Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

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

    Dated: March 11, 1994.
David S. Crestin,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-6229 Filed 3-14-94; 2:54 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P