Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Modification of Nontrawl Sablefish Season

By a separate notice in the Federal Register, NMFS will publish proposed regulations that would establish a new season structure for the nontrawl sablefish component of the Pacific Coast Groundfish (PCG) limited entry fishery. The proposed new regular season would begin at noon August 6 each year. Under the regulations currently governing the fishery, the PCG nontrawl sablefish regular season could start as early as February 26, 1995, preceded by a 72-hour closure beginning on February 23. This early season is unacceptable to the industry for a number of reasons, particularly safety, but also because at that time the quality and market value of sablefish is lower and there are alternative fishing opportunities. Accordingly, NMFS is temporarily amending the current regulations to prevent the PCG nontrawl sablefish regular season from opening pending the completion of the above-mentioned rulemaking to establish a new season structure for the fishery.