Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures and 2001 Harvest Specifications and Associated Management Measures for the Groundfish Fisheries Off Alaska

NMFS amends and corrects the emergency interim rule that implements the 2001 Steller sea lion protection measures and the 2001 harvest specifications and extends its effectiveness through December 31, 2001. These amendments include adjustments to open and closed areas and seasons for important prey species, exemptions for various gear sectors for socio-economic and safety purposes, the establishment of a pollock research area in the Chiniak Gully, and various amendments to the harvest specifications to implement the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) recommendations. This action is necessary to implement Steller sea lion protection measures for the remainder of 2001 as recommended by the Council and is intended to manage the groundfish fishery in a manner that is consistent with requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and to provide adequate protection to Steller sea lions and their critical habitat, as required by the Endangered Species Act and section 209 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001.