Federal Register #RTID 0648-XG052

Request for Comments: Testing Alternative Gear Retrieval Systems in Gulf of Maine Fisheries

This opportunity from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Commerce Department, seeks public input on an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Maine Department of Marine Resources for testing alternative gear retrieval systems in the Gulf of Maine. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Greater Atlantic Region, Office of Sustainable Fisheries - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Sub Sea Sonics - Ashored - Edgetech - SMELTS (Sea Mammal Education Learning Technology Society) - Ropeless Systems - Liftlabs - Devocean - Teledyne Benthos - Advanced Navigation - Products/Services Requested: - Up to 65 trap/pot and gillnet fishing vessels to test alternative gear retrieval systems - Acoustic on-demand fishing gear (with geolocation technology) - Timed-release fishing gear - Spring-release fishing gear - Buoy and stowed rope systems - Lift bag systems - Buoy and spooled rope systems - Stowed rope/timed release systems - Training and support for fishers to use new gear and geolocation technology - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Exemption from standard gear marking regulations for participating vessels - Mandatory gear loss reporting - Unique gear markings for test equipment - Adherence to speed limits in designated areas - Use of geolocation and gear marking applications - Feedback loop to manufacturers for technology improvement - Focus on reducing entanglement risk for endangered North Atlantic right whales - Project covers both trap/pot and gillnet gear types in specific Gulf of Maine management zones - Data collection and training are integral to the project, with up to 65 vessels participating

Description

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has preliminarily determined that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application from the Maine Department of Marine Resources contains all required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside standard fishery regulations to test alternative gear retrieval systems that use only one traditional surface buoy, aiming to reduce the risk of large whale entanglements in trap/pot and gillnet fishing gear in the Gulf of Maine. The project involves up to 65 vessels and includes testing various acoustic on-demand, timed, and spring-release fishing technologies and gear geolocation systems. Public comments on the application are invited until September 29, 2026.

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