Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Modify Prior Notice of Landing Requirement

NMFS implements a regulatory amendment to the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for fixed gear Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries in and off Alaska. This action redefines the length of time within which a 6-hour prior notice of landing is valid and requires that a new prior notice of IFQ landing be submitted to NMFS if the landing originally reported will take place either before or more than 2 hours after the date and time scheduled in the original prior notice of IFQ landing. This action is necessary to reinforce the enforcement rationale underlying the original requirement and improve compliance with IFQ regulations. This action is intended to improve the IFQ Program's ability to manage efficiently the Pacific halibut and sablefish resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska.