[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 3, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 51735-51736] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-24512] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 301 [Docket No. 950106003-5070-02; I.D. 092695C] Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Reopen Area 2A Non-treaty Commercial Fishery AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Inseason action. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, on behalf of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes this inseason action pursuant to IPHC regulations approved by the U.S. Government to govern the Pacific halibut fishery. This action is intended to enhance the conservation of the Pacific halibut stock. EFFECTIVE DATE: Area 2A non-treaty commercial fishery reopening 8 a.m. through 6 p.m., local time, September 26, 1995. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Pennoyer, 907-586-7221; William W. Stelle, Jr., 206-526-6140; or Donald McCaughran, 206-634-1838. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The IPHC, under the Convention between the United States of America and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (signed at Ottawa, Ontario, on March 2, 1953), as amended by a Protocol Amending the Convention (signed at Washington, DC, on March 29, 1979), has issued this inseason action pursuant to IPHC regulations governing the Pacific halibut fishery. The regulations have been approved by NMFS (60 FR 14651, March 20, 1995). On behalf of the IPHC, this inseason action is published in the Federal Register to provide additional notice of its effectiveness, and to inform persons subject to the inseason action of the restrictions and requirements established therein. Inseason Action 1995 Halibut Landing Report Number 15 Area 2A Non-treaty Commercial Fishery To Reopen The September 12 fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of 4,000 lb (1.81 metric tons (mt)). The revised total commercial catch from Area 2A to date is 97,000 lb (43.99 mt), leaving approximately 8,000 lb (3.62 mt) to be taken. Area 2A will reopen on September 26 for 10 hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. The fishery is restricted to waters that are south of Point Chehalis, WA (46 deg.53'18'' N. lat.) under regulations promulgated by NMFS. Fishing period limits as indicated in the following table will be in effect for this opening. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vessel class Fishing period limit --------------------------------------------------- (lb) --------------------- Length Letter Dressed, Dressed, head-on head-off* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0-25................................... A 225 200 26-30.................................. B 225 200 31-35.................................. C 285 250 36-40.................................. D 790 695 41-45.................................. E 850 750 46-50.................................. F 1,020 895 51-55.................................. G 1,135 1,000 56+.................................... H 1,705 1,500 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Weights are after 2 percent has been deducted for ice and slime if fish are not washed prior to weighing. The appropriate vessel length class and letter is printed on each halibut license. The fishing period limit is shown in terms of dressed, head-off weight as well as dressed, head-on weight, although fishermen are reminded that regulations require that all halibut from Area 2A be landed with the head on. The fishing period limit applies to the vessel, not the individual fisherman, and any landings over the vessel limit will be subject to forfeiture and fine. [[Page 51736]] Dated: September 26, 1995. Richard W. Surdi, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 95-24512 Filed 10-2-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-W