Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Closure

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific sardine off the coast of Washington, Oregon and California. This action is necessary because the directed harvest allocation total for the second seasonal period (July 1-September 14) is projected to be reached by the effective date of the rule. From the effective date of this rule until September 15, 2009, Pacific sardine can only be harvested as part of the live bait fishery or incidental to other fisheries; the incidental harvest of Pacific sardine is limited to 20-percent by weight of all fish per trip. Fishing vessels must be at shore and in the process of offloading at 12:01 am Pacific Daylight Time on date of closure.