[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 81 (Thursday, April 27, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 20657-20658] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-10299] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 20658]] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 672 [Docket No. 950206041-5041-01; I.D. 042195A] Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Trawl Fishery for Deep-water Species AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the second seasonal bycatch allowance of Pacific halibut apportioned to the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught. EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 22, 1995, until 12 noon, A.l.t., July 1, 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(f)(1)(i) the deep-water species fishery, which is defined at Sec. 672.20(f)(1)(i)(B)(2) was apportioned 300 metric tons of Pacific halibut prohibited species catch for the second season, the period April 1, 1995, through June 30, 1995 (60 FR 8470, February 14, 1995). The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(f)(3)(i), that vessels participating in the trawl deep-water species fishery in the GOA have caught the second seasonal bycatch allowance of Pacific halibut apportioned to that fishery. Therefore, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for each species and species group that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are: All rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, Greenland turbot, Dover sole, Rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish. 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: April 21, 1995. Richard W. Surdi, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 95-10299 Filed 4-24-95; 9:16 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F