Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

Samenvatting

NMFS requests public comments on a proposed rule to establish requirements for combining two or more limited entry Pacific Coast groundfish fishery permits endorsed with vessel lengths from smaller vessels into a single limited entry permit endorsed with a larger length for use with a single fishing vessel. Comments are requested on the NMFS preferred approach for which proposed regulatory text is offered, and on two alternatives (Initial Alternatives I and II). This rule is necessary to comply with regulations that require the Director, Northwest Region, NMFS (Regional Director), to develop and implement a standardized measure of harvest capacity for the purpose of determining the appropriate endorsed lengths for limited entry permits created by combining two or more permits with smaller size endorsements.