Opportunity
Federal Register #NOAANMFS20261090
NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Exempted Fishing Permit to Test Monofilament Ring Tackle for Swordfish and HMS
Posted
April 16, 2026
Respond By
May 18, 2026
Identifier
NOAANMFS20261090
NAICS
114111, 114119
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public comment on an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application to test alternative fishing gear for swordfish and other highly migratory species off the U.S. West Coast. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), West Coast Region - Products/Services Requested: - Testing of monofilament ring terminal tackle ("ring tackle") as an alternative to circle hooks on deep-set buoy gear - Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to allow use of this alternative gear in regulated fisheries - Unique/Notable Requirements: - The EFP would exempt participating vessels from current gear regulations that require circle hooks, specifically to allow the use of monofilament rings - The purpose is to evaluate the effects and efficacy of monofilament rings for harvesting swordfish and other highly migratory species - All other environmental and protected species regulations remain in effect - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a regulatory exemption for gear testing rather than a product procurement - Place of Performance: - U.S. West Coast fisheries, as managed by NMFS
Description
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) concerning U.S. West Coast highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries. The applicant requests exemptions from certain regulatory provisions related to authorized gear types under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for HMS. The proposal involves testing monofilament rings as an alternative terminal tackle to harvest swordfish and other HMS. The Pacific Fishery Management Council reviewed and endorsed the application, recommending NMFS approval. NMFS is now seeking public comments on this application before making a decision.