Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Improved Retention/Improved Utilization

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NMFS issues a final rule to implement Amendment 49 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). This final rule requires all vessels fishing for groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) to retain all pollock and Pacific cod beginning January 1, 1998, and all shallow water flatfish beginning January 1, 2003. This final rule also establishes a 15-percent minimum utilization standard for all at-sea processors beginning January 1, 1998, for pollock and Pacific cod and, beginning January 1, 2003, for shallow-water flatfish. This action is necessary to respond to socioeconomic needs of the fishing industry that have been identified by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and is intended to further the goals and objectives of the FMP.