Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2026-2027 Fishing Year

Resumen

The Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application warrants further consideration. This application, from the California Wetfish Producers Association (CWPA), requests an exemption from the expected prohibition on primary directed fishing for Pacific sardine during the 2026-2027 fishing year as part of industry-based scientific research. This EFP would support continuation of an important time-series of biological data, extend work previously authorized by NMFS, and enable some sales to offset fishing costs and avoid discards. NMFS requests public comment on this application.