Application for Exempted Fishing Permit for Monkfish Research Set-Aside Days-at-Sea (FY 2026–2027)
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The NMFS Greater Atlantic Region's Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that an application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) submitted by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program (CCE) warrants further consideration. The EFP is intended to facilitate the use of monkfish research set-aside (RSA) days-at-sea (DAS) allocated for fishing years 2026 and 2027. If approved, the EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to operate outside standard fishery regulations in order to support the CCE's exempted fishing research activities. This type of permit is a recognized mechanism under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to enable scientific research that requires deviation from normal commercial fishing rules. This notice is a mandatory publication step under Magnuson-Stevens Act regulations, intended to give interested parties — including fishermen, industry groups, and the public — the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed EFP before a final determination is made. No approval has been granted at this stage.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Preliminary determination issued that CCE's EFP application warrants further consideration — no final approval yet
- EFP would cover fishing years 2026 and 2027 monkfish RSA days-at-sea (DAS)
- Participating vessels would be permitted to operate outside standard monkfish fishery regulations during research activities
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Publish notice of the EFP application to provide interested parties opportunity to comment before final determination
Allow federally permitted fishing vessels to operate outside standard fishery regulations only in support of CCE's exempted fishing research activities if EFP is approved
Limit EFP authorization to fishing years 2026 and 2027 for monkfish research set-aside days-at-sea
Make a final determination on the EFP application following the public comment period
Ensure all exempted fishing activities conducted under the EFP align with Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements