American Lobster Fishery; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Vessel Ownership Requirements

Résumé

NMFS issues this final rule to implement measures contained in Framework Adjustment 1 to the American Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP), Framework Adjustment 3 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP, and Framework Adjustment 7 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP. This rule implements framework adjustments that revise a provision in each of the FMPs that requires all permit applicants to own a fishing vessel at the time they apply for or renew a limited access permit. The intent of this rule is to allow certain applicants who have owned vessels that meet the various limited access permit qualification criteria, but who do not currently own a vessel, to preserve their eligibility to apply for a Federal limited access permit for a replacement vessel in subsequent years by obtaining a Confirmation of Permit History.