[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 109 (Monday, June 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 31201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15159]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 060198A]


Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Notice of receipt of an experimental fishing permit.

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

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 develop a device for 
flatfish trawls that may lower halibut bycatch rates without 
significantly lowering catch rates of target flatfish species. It is 
intended to promote the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Salveson, 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 permit 
request from the applicant on May 15, 1997, that, if approved, would be 
used to develop a device for flatfish trawls that may lower halibut 
bycatch rates without significantly lowering catch rates of target 
flatfish 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 June 10-15, 1998, meeting which will be 
held at the Grand Aleutian Hotel, Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The applicant 
has been invited to appear in support of the application if the 
applicant desires.
    A copy of the application is available for review from the NMFS 
Regional Administrator (see ADDRESSES).

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

    Dated: June 2, 1998.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-15159 Filed 6-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F