Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Hawaii-based Pelagic Longline Area Closure

This action extends an emergency interim rule, now in effect, governing the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery. The rule closes certain waters to fishing; imposes fishing gear, landing and transhipment restrictions, effort limitations, and fish sale restrictions; and requires increased observer coverage for the fishery. By extending the emergency interim rule that is effective through February 21, 2001, NMFS continues implementation of an order issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii while an environmental impact statement (EIS) is being completed for the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region (FMP).