National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration May 12, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 127\th\ meeting and Advisory Panel meetings to consider and take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.

The SEDAR assessments of the Gulf of Mexico stocks of vermillion snapper, greater amberjack, and gray triggerfish will consist of a series of three workshops: a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop. This is the ninth SEDAR. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

NOAA announces receipt of a petition for emergency regulations or interim measures, filed by The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. CCA has petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce to promulgate emergency regulations or interim measures to address overfishing of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico primarily by further reducing bycatch of juvenile red snapper in the Gulf shrimp fishery. NMFS is soliciting public comment on this petition to help determine whether NMFS should proceed with the development of regulations suggested by the petitioner.

NMFS is prohibiting retention of Alaska plaice in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). NMFS is requiring that catch of Alaska plaice in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of Alaska plaice in the BSAI has been reached.