Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Extension of the Interim Groundfish Observer Program through 1998

Résumé

NMFS issues a proposed rule to implement a regulatory amendment to extend with some minor revisions the current groundfish observer coverage requirements and implementing regulations for the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program) that expire December 31, 1997. This action is necessary to assure uninterrupted observer coverage requirements through 1998. This proposed rule also provides notice of proposed changes to observer qualifications and observer training/briefing requirements, which are non-codified elements of the Observer Program. This action is intended to accomplish the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMPs).