Federal Register #NOAA NMFS20261288

NOAA Exempted Fishing Permit for Pacific Sardine Scientific Research (2026-2027)

NOAA, part of the Department of Commerce, is reviewing an application from the California Wetfish Producers Association (CWPA) for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for the 2026-2027 Pacific sardine fishing year. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Department of Commerce - Applicant/Vendor: - California Wetfish Producers Association (CWPA) - Products/Services Requested: - Scientific fishing and data collection service - Up to seven vessels authorized to harvest a total of 520 metric tons of Pacific sardine - Activities include biological sampling, data collection for stock assessments, and limited sales to offset research costs - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Exemption from the expected prohibition on primary directed fishing for Pacific sardine - Catch is accounted for under the proposed annual catch limit of 2,200 metric tons - Focus on maintaining a continuous time series of fishery-dependent biological data - Extension of previously authorized research work - No specific equipment, OEMs, or part numbers are mentioned; the request is for a scientific fishing service

Description

The Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application from the California Wetfish Producers Association (CWPA) warrants further consideration. The application requests an exemption from the expected prohibition on primary directed fishing for Pacific sardine during the 2026-2027 fishing year as part of industry-based scientific research. The EFP would support continuation of an important time-series of biological data, extend work previously authorized by NMFS, and enable some sales to offset fishing costs and avoid discards. NMFS requests public comment on this application.

View original listing