Exempted Fishing Permit Application 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 Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance (CCCFA) warrants further review. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to operate outside standard fishery regulations during fishing years 2026 and 2027 in order to utilize monkfish research set-aside (RSA) days-at-sea (DAS). The RSA program allocates a portion of the overall fishing quota specifically for scientific research purposes. By granting an EFP, NMFS enables the CCCFA to conduct research activities that would otherwise conflict with existing regulatory restrictions, supporting data collection that informs sustainable fisheries management. Public notice of the EFP application is required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, giving interested stakeholders—including fishing industry participants, environmental groups, and the general public—an opportunity to submit comments before a final determination is made. This is a preliminary step and does not constitute approval of the permit.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- NMFS issues preliminary determination that CCCFA's EFP application warrants further consideration — no final approval granted yet
- EFP would cover fishing years (FY) 2026 and 2027, a two-year research window
- Federally permitted vessels would be allowed to fish outside standard monkfish fishery regulations under the EFP
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
NMFS must publish public notice of the EFP application under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Interested parties must be provided opportunity to submit comments on the EFP application before final determination is made
Federally permitted fishing vessels operating under the EFP must conduct fishing activities in support of monkfish research set-aside (RSA) days-at-sea activities for fishing years 2026 and 2027
Federally permitted fishing vessels must operate outside standard fishery regulations only as explicitly authorized by the EFP
NMFS Assistant Regional Administrator must make a final determination on the EFP application following the public comment period