[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 18316]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9630]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 040997A]


Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

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

ACTION: Notice of receipt of an experimental fishing permit.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of an application from John 
Gauvin, Groundfish Forum, Inc., for an Experimental Fishing Permit 
(EFP). If awarded, this permit would be used to systematically test the 
effects of a different trawl net design on species and size composition 
of catch in trawls targeting flatfish. It is intended to promote the 
objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP).

ADDRESSES: Copies of the EFP application are available from Steven 
Pennoyer, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, 
AK 99802, Attn: Lori Gravel.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Lind, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FMP and its implementing regulations at 
50 CFR part 679.6 authorize issuance of EFPs to allow fishing that 
would otherwise be prohibited. Procedures for issuing EFPs are 
contained in the implementing regulations. NMFS received a request from 
the applicant on March 14, 1997, that, if approved, would be used to 
systematically test the effects of a different trawl net design on 
species and size composition of catch in trawls targeting flatfish. 
Information from this experiment could be used by the fishing industry 
to reduce catches of non-target species (e.g., pollock and cod) while 
fishing for flatfish, thereby reducing waste and discard of those 
species.
    In accordance with regulations, NMFS has determined that the 
proposal warrants further consideration and has initiated consultation 
with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) by 
forwarding the application to the Council. The Council will consider 
the EFP application during its April 15-19, 1997, meeting and has 
invited the applicant to appear in support of the application if he so 
desires.
    A copy of the application is available for review from the NMFS 
Regional Administrator (see ADDRESSES).

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

    Dated: April 9, 1997.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-9630 Filed 4-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F