March 6, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
We are seeking public comment on proposed sector operations plans for the 2015 and 2016 fishing years.
Seventeen sectors submitted operations plans and contracts for fishing years 2015 and 2016. This is the first year that we are proposing to approve two-year sector operations plans. NOAA Fisheries approval is required annually for sectors to receive their yearly groundfish stock quotas.
Because sectors have annual quotas, they can also request exemptions from existing regulations that apply to fishing vessels operating under the old management system (limits on the number of fishing days, gear restrictions, etc.). For fishing years 2015 and 2016, sectors requested 22 exemptions, 19 of which we are proposing to approve through this action.
Among the proposed measures that we are considering approving are an exemption from the 6.5-inch minimum mesh size requirement for trawl nets use to target redfish.
We are proposing to partially approve an exemption for day gillnet vessels to exceed the limit of gillnets, but propose to deny this exemption for the GOM.
We are also proposing to deny the Gulf of Maine sink gillnet exemption, the vessel monitoring system powerdown exemption, and the previous exemption to target redfish that was approved for fishing year 2014.
In this proposed rule, we are also announcing the target at-sea monitoring coverage rate of 24% for sector trips for fishing year 2015.
The comment period ends March 24, 2015. Read more about proposed measures or provide public comment.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-675-2167 or Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.