NOAA Seeks Comments on Surfclam Exempted Fishing Permit
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 Exempted Fishing Permit that would let participating federally permitted vessels use hydraulic clam dredges in an area where bottom-tending mobile gear is normally banned. The permit would support compensation surfclam fishing tied to a Great South Channel Habitat Management Area study. Fishing businesses, conservation groups, and other interested parties have until June 8, 2026, to submit comments to NOAA.
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Key Changes
- NOAA is considering an Exempted Fishing Permit for Coonamessett Farm Foundation’s proposed project.
- Participating vessels would be exempt from the ban on bottom-tending mobile gear in a Habitat Management Area.
- Public comments are due by June 8, 2026.
Obligations
What this law requires
Interested parties submitting written comments must ensure NOAA receives them on or before June 8, 2026.
Written comments submitted by email must be sent to [email protected] and include the subject line “Great South Channel Habitat Management Area Surfclam Compensation Fishing EFP.”
Commenters who wish to remain anonymous must enter “anonymous” as the signature when submitting comments.