Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries

Resumen

NMFS proposes to revise the method for renewing and replacing permits issued under the Fishery Management Plan(FMP) for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS). Permits are required for all commercial vessels and all recreational charter vessels participating in HMS fisheries managed under the FMP. NMFS proposes to modify the renewal process by substituting the month corresponding to the vessel identification number with the last day of the vessel owner's birth month as the renewal date. NMFS also proposes to require that vessel owners who want a duplicate permit submit a completed application form to NMFS. These proposed regulations are needed to improve the efficiency and timeliness of the permit system.