Exempted Fishing Permit Out for Public Comment: Pioneers for a Thoughtful Coexistence, Inc.
Comments Accepted Through April 4
NOAA Fisheries is requesting comment on an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Pioneers for a Thoughtful Coexistence, Inc. (Pioneers) in collaboration with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center.The EFP would give Pioneers an exemption from federal lobster regulations that would authorize three federally permitted commercial lobster vessels to participate in a ropeless lobster gear study in discrete areas in the Massachusetts Bay Restricted Area.
The purpose of this study is to test real-world use of acoustic-release systems that would reduce the risk of entangling protected species, including the North Atlantic right whale.
Full details on the proposal can be found in the Federal Register notice. The comment period is open through April 4, 2022.
If you would like more information on participating in future ropeless gear EFPs, please email the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Gear Library at [email protected].
