NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES RULE: FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA; PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH IN THE CENTRAL REGULATORY AREA OF THE GULF OF ALASKA

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a rule called: Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 15 by Shannon Bettridge, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS is prohibiting retention of the incidental catch allowance for Pacific Ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) except by vessels checked-in to the Central GOA Rockfish Program who are fishing with a rockfish cooperative quota permit. This action is necessary because the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) apportione...