[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 91 (Thursday, May 9, 1996)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 21104] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-11548] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 50 CFR Part 672 [Docket No. 960129018-6018-01; I.D. 050396B] Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catches of Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod in this area has been reached. EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), May 5, 1996, until 12 midnight A.l.t., December 31, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 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(c)(1)(ii)(B), the TAC for Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area was established by the Final 1996 Harvest Specifications of Groundfish (61 FR 4304, February 5, 1996) as 42,900 metric tons (mt). The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined, in accordance with Sec. 672.20(c)(3), that the TAC for Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that further catches of Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as prohibited species in accordance with Sec. 672.20(e). 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: May 3, 1996. Richard W. Surdi, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 96-11548 Filed 5-3-96; 4:47 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F