[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 10, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 24800] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-11542] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 672 [Docket No. 95020641-5041-01; I.D. 050495B] Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Western Regulatory Area
Agency
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
Action
Closure.
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Summary
NMFS is prohibiting retention of Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for processing by the offshore component. NMFS is requiring that catches of Pacific cod by these vessels in the Western Regulatory 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 allocation of Pacific cod specified for the offshore component in this area has been reached.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), May 5, 1995, until 12 midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1995.
For Further Information Contact
Andrew N. Smoker, 907-586-7228.
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 50 CFR parts 620 and 672. In accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(1)(ii), the allocation of Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) for the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area, GOA, was established by the final 1995 groundfish specifications (60 FR 8470, February 14, 1995), as 2,010 metric tons (mt). The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(3), that the allocation of Pacific cod TAC specified for the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area, GOA, has been reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that further catches of Pacific cod by operators of vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area in the GOA, be treated as prohibited species in accordance with Sec. 672.20(e)(4).
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: May 5, 1995. Richard W. Surdi, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 95-11542 Filed 5-5-95; 3:14 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F