Final Rule on Krill Protection

In a step toward Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) for the fisheries off the west coast states, the NMFS took the step of protecting krill, explaining:

As the principal food source for many fish and non-fish species, krill are a critical component of the marine ecosystem. Off the West Coast krill are important prey for a variety of fish species, including several overfished groundfish species, salmon and Pacific whiting. Krill are also a principal food source for many species of marine mammals and seabirds, some of which are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act and warrant special efforts for protection and recovery.

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access

Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Amendment 12 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 12 to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) which would provide protection for all species of krill off the West Coast (i.e., California, Oregon and Washington). This rule would prohibit the harvest of all species of krill by any fishing vessel operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the West Coast, and would also deny the use of exempted fishing permits to allow krill fishing.

DATES: Effective August 12, 2009.

Read the entire notice here at Federal Register.

Read some of the history behind the decision at OMB Watch:
Krill Protection Rule Clears White House