IB 22-10: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, January 26, 2022, according to Robert D. Mecum, Acting Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2022 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii). This closure does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the Community Development Program.

While this closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

This information bulletin only provides notice of a fishery management action. For the purposes of complying with any requirements of this action, you are advised to see the actual text of the action in the Federal Register.