Section 5.24.332. Seine specifications and operations.

	(a)  Except for the first five fathoms in length of the purse seine, a purse seine may not be less than 200 meshes or more than 335 meshes in depth, or less than 125 fathoms or more than 150 fathoms in length, hung measure, or with mesh size greater than four inches stretched measure, except that the first 25 meshes immediately above or below the lead line may be a chafing strip with a mesh size no larger than seven and one-half inches stretched measure. Leads deeper than the seine or exceeding 75 fathoms in length, or leads with mesh size less than six and one-quarter inches may not be used, except as specified in 5 AAC 39.260(f).  
	(b)  Leads set for fishing must be removed from the water during closed fishing periods and during the closed season within two hours after such closure.  
	(c)  A purse seine vessel may only be connected to a seine or lead at one end of the net. An anchor may only be connected to a seine or lead at the shoreward end of the net.  
	(d)  A lead may only be connected to one end of a seine.  
	(e)  Notwithstanding (a) of this section, from August 25 through the end of the fishing season in the terminal harvest areas and special harvest areas of the Prince William Sound Area, except the Main Bay Hatchery Special Harvest Area described in 5 AAC 24.361, a purse seine may be used that is not more than 150 fathoms in length and not more than 1,025 meshes in depth, hung measure, and with a mesh size no larger than one and five-eighths inches, except that the maximum lead mesh size is as specified in 5 AAC 39.260(f).  
	(f)  A purse seine is considered to have ceased fishing when both ends of the seine are attached to the fishing vessel.  

Authorities

16.05.251

Notes

Authority

AS 16.05.251

History

In effect before 1981; am 4/15/81, Register 78; am 8/6/81, Register 79; am 6/30/84, Register 90; am 4/9/89, Register 110; am 4/30/91, Register 118; am 3/30/2000, Register 153; am 3/30/2006, Register 177; am 5/17/2008, Register 186; am 4/24/2009, Register 190; am 3/24/2012, Register 201