Genomics Lab Wants Permit to Fish Outside Normal Rules
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute wants special permission to fish in ways usually not allowed, to support their research. This affects federally permitted fishing boats in the Greater Atlantic Region and opens a chance for the public to comment by August 1, 2025. If approved, some fishing rules will be relaxed temporarily, helping science without extra costs to fishers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption to remove lobster leg for sampling
The application seeks an exemption from 50 CFR 697.20(c)(2) to allow fishermen to remove the smallest walking leg from each late-stage egg-bearing (ovigerous) female lobster for genetic sampling, then record carapace length and latitude/longitude and release the female. This activity would occur under the project period 06/01/2025–01/31/2026 and applies to participating federally permitted vessels in the Greater Atlantic Region.
Limited research trips; allowed to sell legal lobsters
If the EFP is approved, up to 7 vessels would make approximately 7 trips (each about 3 days, with ~30 sets per trip) across Statistical Areas 515, 562, 526, 537, 616, and 611 and Long Island Sound, collecting a maximum of 280 samples (target ~25 per location). Legal lobsters harvested during these trips may be landed for sale, and the public may submit comments by August 1, 2025.
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