[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6229]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 672
[Docket No. 931199-4042; I.D. 031194A]
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Modification of a closure.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is rescinding the closure to directed fishing for Atka
mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) to
allow a 48-hour directed fishery. This action is necessary to fully
utilize the total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in that area.
EFFECTIVE DATE: From 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 14,
1994, through 12 noon, A.l.t., March 16, 1994, the closure to directed
fishing for Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is
rescinded; and effective 12 noon A.l.t. March 16, 1994, through 12
midnight, A.l.t. December 31, 1994, directed fishing for Atka mackerel
in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is closed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew N. Smoker, Fishery Biologist,
Fisheries Management Division, NMFS, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the GOA Exclusive
Economic Zone is managed by the Secretary of Commerce 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)(B), the annual TAC for
Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA, was
established by the final 1994 groundfish specifications (59 FR 7647,
February 16, 1994), as 2,500 metric tons (mt). The final 1994
groundfish specifications also closed the directed fishery for Atka
mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA under
Sec. 672.20(c)(2).
The Regional Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, in accordance with
Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), has determined that the TAC of Atka mackerel in
the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is sufficient to allow a 48-hour
directed fishery. Therefore, NMFS is rescinding the closure to directed
fishing for Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA as
of 12 noon A.l.t., March 14, 1994.
In accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), the Regional Director has
established a directed fishing allowance of 2,300 mt, with the
remaining 200 mt to be taken as incidental catch in directed fishing
for other species in the area. The Regional Director has determined
that the directed fishing allowance will be attained by a 48-hour
directed fishery for Atka mackerel. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting
directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Western Regulatory Area of
the GOA, effective from 12 noon, A.l.t., March 16, 1994, until 12
midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1994.
Classification
This action is taken under Sec. 672.20.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 672
Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 11, 1994.
David S. Crestin,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-6229 Filed 3-14-94; 2:54 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
