[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 117 (Monday, June 17, 1996)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 30544] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-15257] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 50 CFR Part 675 [Docket No. 960129019-6019-01; I.D. 061096A] Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Trawl Gear AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Modification of a closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for the Pacific cod fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully utilize the first seasonal bycatch allowance of Pacific halibut apportioned to the trawl Pacific cod fishery category in the BSAI. EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), June 14, 1996, until 12 noon, A.l.t., October 25, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew N. Smoker, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone is managed by NMFS according to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (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 675. Directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI was prohibited on May 14, 1996, (61 FR 24730, May 16, 1996) to prevent exceeding the first seasonal bycatch allowance of Pacific halibut apportioned to that fishery. The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that as of May 25, 1996, 89 metric tons of halibut mortality remain in the first seasonal bycatch allowance. Therefore, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. All other closures remain in full force and effect. Classification This action is taken under 50 CFR 675.20 and is exempt from review under E.O. 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 11, 1996. Richard H. Schaefer, Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 96-15257 Filed 6-12-96; 10:44 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F