Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Suspension of the Primary Pacific Whiting Season for the Shore-based Sector South of 42° North Latitude

NMFS announces the suspension of the primary season for Pacific whiting (whiting) fishery for the shore-based sector south of 42[deg] N. lat. at noon local time (l.t.) May 14, 2009. "Per trip" limits for whiting were reinstated until 0001 hours June 15, 2009, at which time the primary season for the shore-based sector opens coastwide. This action is authorized by regulations implementing the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which governs the groundfish fishery off Washington, Oregon, and California. This action is intended to keep the harvest of whiting at the 2009 allocation levels.