NMFS Removes Groundfish Closure in Alaska EEZ to Protect Steller Sea Lions

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has lifted a closure to commercial groundfish fishing with trawl gear in the exclusive economic zone off Alaska, west of 144 degrees west longitude, to protect Steller sea lions. The closure, previously in place until December 31, 2000, has been reinstated to ensure the protection of Steller sea lions, following a biological opinion issued on November 30, 2000.