Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan; Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), on behalf of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes annual management measures to govern the Pacific halibut fishery. These measures are promulgated as regulations by the IPHC and accepted by the Secretary of State. The AA announces modifications to the Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) for Area 2A and implementing regulations for 2005, and announces approval of the Area 2A Plan. The AA also announces related changes to management measures in the recreational Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). These actions are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut and groundfish and further the goals and objectives of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council).