[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: 94-6262]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 672

[Docket No. 931199-4042; I.D. 031494A]

 

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Closure.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS is closing the directed fishery for Pacific cod by 
vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in 
the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary to prevent exceeding the allocation of Pacific cod for the 
inshore component in this area.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 16, 1994, 
through 12 midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1994.

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.
    In accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(1)(ii), the allocation of Pacific 
cod for the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area, GOA, was 
established by the final 1994 groundfish specifications (59 FR 7647, 
February 16, 1994), as 28,125 metric tons (mt).
    The Director of the Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Director), has 
determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), that the 
allocation of Pacific cod total allowable catch for the inshore 
component in the Central Regulatory Area, GOA, soon will be reached. 
The Regional Director established a directed fishing allowance of 
23,625 mt, with consideration that 4,500 mt will be taken as incidental 
catch in directed fishing for other species in the Central Regulatory 
Area. The Regional Director has determined that the directed fishing 
allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed 
fishing for Pacific cod by operators of vessels catching Pacific cod 
for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area, 
effective from 12 noon, A.l.t., March 16, 1994, through 12 midnight, 
A.l.t., December 31, 1994.
    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: March 14, 1994.
Richard H. Schaefer,
Director of Office of Fisheries, Conservation and Management, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-6262 Filed 3-14-94; 2:54 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P