Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF643

NOAA Exempted Fishing Permit Request for Skate Wing Research in Atlantic Region

This opportunity involves a request from the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Greater Atlantic Region, for public comments on an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Greater Atlantic Region - Applicant and Involved Parties: - Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (EFP applicant) - Seafood dealer: Reds Best, LLC (mentioned as a market participant) - Products/Services Requested: - No physical products are being procured - Services: Exempted fishing activities and data collection - Up to 650 trips by 17 federally permitted fishing vessels - Use of gillnets in statistical areas 521, 526, and 537 - Increased skate wing possession limits: - Season 1: Up to 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) skate wings or 15,890 lb (7,208 kg) whole weight per trip - Season 2: Up to 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) skate wings or 20,430 lb (9,267 kg) whole weight per trip - Data collection on catch, trip duration, and market/ecological impacts - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Regulatory exemptions to standard skate wing possession limits for research - Focus on quantifying economic and ecological impacts of increased skate wing landings - Measures to mitigate market and ecological impacts - Project aims to improve monkfish fishery utilization - No OEMs or commercial product manufacturers are involved; the focus is on research and data collection through exempted fishing activities.

Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced a preliminary determination regarding an application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) submitted by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. This permit would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside standard fishery regulations to support exempted fishing activities aimed at increasing skate wing trip limits. The notice invites public comments on the application by April 17, 2026, and outlines the scope of the proposed research, including economic and ecological assessments of increased skate wing possession limits.

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