NOAA Seeks Comments on Exempted Fishing Permit for Atlantic Herring Genomics Study
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice opens public comment on a proposed renewal of an exempted fishing permit for a Massachusetts state research project on Atlantic herring genetics. If approved, three federally permitted vessels could catch a limited amount of adult herring in areas and seasons where normal rules would otherwise restrict fishing, including parts of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Area 1A. The project would collect about 570 additional pounds of herring over up to 15 sampling trips to help scientists identify herring sub-populations and improve future catch-limit decisions. Fishing businesses, conservation groups, and other stakeholders can comment by May 19, 2026. Participating vessels would still need to stay within the permit’s research limits and submit pre-trip notifications.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Opens a public comment period on a proposed renewed exempted fishing permit for an Atlantic herring genomics study.
- Would allow three federally permitted vessels to conduct limited herring sampling despite certain seasonal, area, gear, and monitoring restrictions.
- Sets a practical research scope of about 570 additional pounds of herring over up to 15 trips, with comments due by May 19, 2026.
Obligations
What this law requires
Interested parties that wish to comment on the proposed MA DMF herring genomics EFP must ensure NMFS receives written comments on or before May 19, 2026.
Written comments submitted by email should be sent to [email protected] and include the subject line “MA DMF herring genomics EFP.”
Participating vessels operating under the EFP must submit required pre-trip notifications; the requested monitoring exemption does not remove the pre-trip notification requirement under 50 CFR 648.11(m)(2).
If the EFP is approved, participating vessels must conduct exempted fishing only within the scope of the approved exempted fishing activity; any fishing activity outside that scope is prohibited.
If the EFP is approved, only the three authorized federally permitted fishing vessels may conduct the exempted herring sampling activities described in the EFP.