Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for the Pollock Fisheries off Alaska; Extension of an Expiration Date

On January 22, 1999, NMFS published an emergency rule, effective through July 19, 1999, that implemented reasonable and prudent alternatives (RPAs) identified by NMFS to avoid the likelihood that the pollock fisheries off Alaska will jeopardize the continued existence of the western population of Steller sea lions, or adversely modify its critical habitat. This action revises and extends the emergency rule through December 31, 1999. This action also revises the 1999 final harvest specifications for the pollock fisheries off Alaska. This emergency rule extension is necessary to prevent the pollock fisheries from jeopardizing the western population of Steller sea lions or adversely modifying its critical habitat until permanent protection measures can be implemented.