Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF646

NOAA Seeks Comments on Monkfish Research Permit and Marine Mammal Authorizations in Alaska

This opportunity involves regulatory actions and research authorizations managed by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS): - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources - Projects and Authorizations: - Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for monkfish research, submitted by Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program (CCE) - Authorizes federally permitted vessels to use monkfish Research Set-Aside (RSA) Days-At-Sea (DAS) for research and compensation fishing - 186 RSA DAS for FY 2026 and approximately 75 RSA DAS for FY 2027 - Exempts vessels from certain federal trip limit regulations to facilitate research and compensation fishing - Supports development of standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for monkfish stock assessment - Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) for marine mammal take related to construction projects: - Homer Harbor System Four Float Replacement Project (Homer, AK) - U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Homeporting (Sitka, AK) - IHAs include mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements for marine mammal protection - Modifications to existing IHAs may include changes to duration, project design, and take estimates - Products/Services Requested: - No commercial products or OEMs are being procured - Main items are regulatory authorizations (EFP, IHAs) and allocation of RSA DAS for research - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Participation in regulated research fishing activities and compliance with marine mammal protection measures - Public comments are requested on the proposed EFP and IHA modifications - Locations: - NOAA/NMFS Office of Protected Resources (contracting office) - Place of performance: Homer, AK; Sitka, AK; Seward, AK

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has preliminarily determined that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program (CCE) warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside of standard fishery regulations during fishing years 2026 and 2027, specifically to use monkfish research set-aside (RSA) days-at-sea (DAS) for research purposes. The project aims to develop standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for the commercial monkfish gillnet fishery to support stock assessment. Public comments on the proposed EFP are invited until April 17, 2026.

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