[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30488-30489]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-14474]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 052499B]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish
of the Gulf of Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Receipt of an exempted fishing permit application.
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SUMMARY: NMFS announces receipt of an application from the Alaska
Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) for an Exempted Fishing Permit
(EFP) to test artificial longline bait fabricated from seafood wastes
in the Gulf of Alaska. It is intended to promote the objectives of the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council).
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 Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska 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
[[Page 30489]]
regulations. NMFS received an application for an EFP from the AFDF on
April 19, 1999. If approved, the EFP would be used to test artificial
longline bait fabricated from seafood wastes in the Gulf of Alaska. The
AFDF reports that the potential benefits of using artificial bait for
longline fisheries include higher catches, enhanced species and size
selectivity, consistent product quality and size, enhanced safety, and
lower bait loss.
In accordance with regulations, NMFS has determined that the
proposal warrants further consideration and has initiated consultation
by forwarding the application to the Council. The Council will consider
the EFP application during its June 9-14, 1999, meeting which will be
held at the Best Western Kodiak Inn, Kodiak, Alaska, and public comment
on the application will be requested at this meeting. 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 3, 1999.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 99-14474 Filed 6-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
