Federal Register #2026-17300

Proposed Extension of Commercial Shrimp Permit Moratorium in the Gulf of America

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory action by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to extend the moratorium on new commercial shrimp permits in the Gulf of America. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - NMFS Southeast Regional Office - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory measure, not a procurement. - Products/Services Requested: - Extension of the moratorium on issuing new commercial shrimp vessel permits - No physical products or commercial services are being procured - Notable Requirements: - The moratorium would last for 10 years, through October 26, 2036 - Aims to stabilize fishing effort, prevent overcapacity, and maintain permit asset value - About 1,287 valid or renewable permits currently exist; average of 932 vessels actively fishing annually - Alternatives include a shorter 5-year extension or a limited access program - Public comment is requested on the proposed rule and alternatives - The action is part of Amendment 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf (Shrimp FMP) - No procurement of goods or services; this is a regulatory extension impacting commercial shrimp fishery operations

Description

NMFS proposes to extend the moratorium on the issuance of new commercial shrimp permits in the Gulf of America for an additional 10 years through October 26, 2036. The moratorium aims to stabilize fishing effort and prevent overcapacity in the Gulf shrimp fishery. The proposed rule seeks public comment and discusses alternatives including a shorter extension or establishing a limited access program. The extension would preserve permit asset value and maintain fleet stability while allowing permit transferability.

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