Pacific Island Fisheries; Interim Measures for American Samoa Bottomfish

This temporary rule implements an interim catch limit (ICL) of 13,000 lb (5,897 kg) of American Samoa bottomfish during the effective period of the rule in fishing year 2021. NMFS will monitor catches, and if the fishery reaches the ICL within the fishing year, we will close the fishery in Federal waters through the end of the effective period of this rule. These interim management measures are necessary to reduce overfishing of American Samoa bottomfish while minimizing socio- economic impacts to fishing communities. This temporary rule supports the long-term sustainability of American Samoa bottomfish.