Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery; Closure

NMFS announces that, effective 0001 hours (l.t.), January 18, 2002, through May 14, 2002, notwithstanding any other regulations implemented for the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, vessels may not fish for, possess, or land red crab in or from the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from 35 deg.15.3' N. lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC, northward to the U.S.-Canada border, in excess of 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip. This action is based on a determination that the red crab total allowable catch (TAC) is projected to be reached as of January 18, 2002, and is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding the TAC established by the emergency rule that was published November 13, 2001.