[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 194 (Friday, October 4, 1996)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 51789-51790] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-25464] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 960129018-6018-01; I.D. 093096A] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Eastern Gulf of Alaska AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catches of Pacific ocean perch in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. EFFECTIVE DATE: 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 30, 1996, until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 1996. [[Page 51790]] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Pearson, 907-486-6919. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone is managed by 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 subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. In accordance with Sec. 679.20(c)(3)(ii), the TAC for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA was established by the Final 1996 Harvest Specifications of Groundfish (61 FR 4304, February 5, 1996), as 2,366 metric tons. The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(2), that the TAC for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that further catches of Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as prohibited species in accordance with Sec. 679.21(b). Classification This action is taken under 50 CFR 679.20 and is exempt from review under E.O. 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 30, 1996. Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 96-25464 Filed 10-1-96; 9:05 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F