Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Removal of Groundfish Closure

Zusammenfassung

NMFS removes an existing closure to commercial groundfish fishing with trawl gear within critical habitat designated for Steller sea lions in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Alaska west of 144 deg. W. long. and closes this area to commercial fishing for Pacific cod through December 31, 2000. The removal of the existing closure is consistent with the December 5, 2000, Order of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. The new closure is intended to ensure that Steller sea lions are adequately protected based on conclusions in a biological opinion issued November 30, 2000.