Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Local Area Management Plan for the Halibut Fishery in Sitka Sound

Resumen

NMFS issues a final rule to implement a Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) for the halibut fishery in Sitka Sound in the Gulf of Alaska. This rule prohibits a person using a vessel greater than 35 ft (10.7 meters(m)) in overall length from fishing for halibut with setline gear within Sitka Sound. The rule also prohibits a person using a vessel less than or equal to 35 ft (10.7 m) in overall length from fishing for halibut with setline gear within Sitka Sound from June 1 through August 31. Finally, the rule prohibits all charter vessels from fishing for halibut within Sitka Sound from June 1 through August 31 and from retaining halibut caught within Sitka Sound while engaging in sport fishing for other species from June 1 through August 31. This action is necessary to address the decreased availability of halibut in Sitka Sound and is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) with respect to management of halibut in and off Alaska.