NMFS announces that the directed fishery for butterfish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be closed effective 0001 hours, September 5, 2008. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest butterfish may not retain or land more than 250 lb (0.11-mt) of butterfish per trip for the remainder of the year (through December 31, 2008). This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its domestic annual harvest (DAH) of 500 mt and to allow for effective management of this stock.