[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
