[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 15072-15073] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-7013] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 50 CFR Part 672 [Docket No. 950206041-5041-01; I.D. 031695B] Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is closing the directed fishery for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the allocation of Pacific cod for the inshore component in this area. EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 17, 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 [[Page 15073]] 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)(B), the allocation of Pacific cod for the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area was established by the final groundfish specifications (60 FR 8470, February 14, 1995) as 18,090 metric tons (mt). The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Director), has determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(2)(ii), that the allocation of Pacific cod total allowable catch for the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area soon will be reached. The Regional Director established a directed fishing allowance of 13,090 mt, with consideration that 5,000 mt will be taken as incidental catch in directed fishing for other species in the Western Regulatory Area. The Regional Director has determined that the directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by operators of vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area. Directed fishing standards for applicable gear types may be found in the regulations at Sec. 672.20(g). 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: March 16, 1995. David S. Crestin, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 95-7013 Filed 3-17-95; 3:58 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F