[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 42 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 11915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-5219]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 672

[Docket No. 950206041-5041-01; I.D. 022795A]


Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Pollock in the Eastern Gulf

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

ACTION: Closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Eastern 
Regulatory Area in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary 
to prevent exceeding the total allowable catch for pollock in this 
area.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 27, 1995, 
until 12 noon A.l.t., December 31, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael L. Sloan, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive 
economic zone is managed by the NMFS 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.
    The initial specification for pollock TAC in the Eastern Regulatory 
Area in the GOA was established by final initial specifications (60 FR 
8740, February 14, 1995) as 3,360 metric tons (mt), determined in 
accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(1)(ii)(A).
    The Director of the Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Director), has 
determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), that the 1995 
final interim specification of pollock in the Eastern Regulatory Area 
in the GOA soon will be reached. The Regional Director established a 
directed fishing allowance of 3,000 mt, and has set aside the remaining 
360 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 the Eastern Regulatory Area in the GOA.
    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 and is exempt from review 
under E.O. 12866.

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

    Dated: February 27, 1995.
David S. Crestin,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 95-5219 Filed 2-27-95; 4:41 pm]
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