NOAA Considers 'Get Out of Fishing Jail' Research Permits
Published Date: 12/4/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center wants special permission for some fishing boats to try new gear that’s easier to spot and uses fewer buoys. This lets them test cool fishing tech outside the usual rules. If you’re into fishing or ocean stuff, you can share your thoughts by December 19, 2025—no cost, just your voice!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Permission to Trial Ropeless (On‑Demand) Gear
NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center applied for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that would let up to 180 trap/pot vessels and up to 20 gillnet vessels trial on‑demand (ropeless) fishing systems in federal waters from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The application requests exemptions from specific Federal gear‑marking rules so participants can test systems that use one or no surface buoys, with up to 15,000 trap/pot trips and up to 1,600 gillnet trips during the project period.
Testing Fully On‑Demand Gear in Restricted Areas
The EFP would allow testing of fully on‑demand gear (no persistent vertical lines) in Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) Restricted Areas, with a cap of 600 total modified trawls across those Restricted Areas and up to 20 modified trawls per participating vessel. NEFSC may require demonstrated history of fishing in Restricted Areas as a condition for participation there.
Limited Grappling Trials Allowed
The project would allow up to 5 vessels to use grappling to retrieve up to 20 trawls each as part of the trials (a subset of the 180 trap/pot vessels and the 1,800 modified trap/pot trawl effort cap). Grappling trials would not be allowed in ALWTRP Restricted Areas.
Mandatory Participant Operational Requirements
If approved, participating vessels must follow NEFSC best practices including reporting all right whale sightings to NMFS, providing weekly gear loss reports, operating at a 10‑knot speed limit when transiting ALWTRP Restricted Areas or when whales are observed, using the Trap Tracker or equivalent for unmarked gear, and may be required to carry NEFSC scientists or observers on some trips. Participants will receive training before use of gear.
Exemptions Limited to Specific Federal Gear Rules
The EFP, if granted, would only exempt vessels from the named Federal gear‑marking regulations; vessels would not be exempt from state requirements, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, or other applicable laws, and applicants remain responsible for obtaining any required state authorizations.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-17247, Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding important meetings from September 8 to 17, 2026, to discuss and decide on fishing rules in the Western Pacific. These meetings affect fishermen, local communities, and businesses by shaping how fish are managed and protected. Public comments are welcome by September 10, and the meetings will be both in-person and online, making it easy to join and stay informed.
2026-17248, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from September 16-21, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, and online. These meetings affect fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal communities by discussing fishery rules, budgets, and habitat protection. You can join live, comment remotely, and stay updated on important fishery decisions that might impact fishing seasons and local economies.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21894, Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service got requests from scientists and groups who want special permits to help save endangered and threatened animals. They’re asking everyone—local communities, tribes, and the public—to share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, before deciding. These permits let researchers do important work to protect wildlife without breaking the law.
Next: 2025-21896, Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request; Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork on fair pay rules for banks and wants your thoughts by February 2, 2026. This update helps keep rules clear and reduces extra paperwork for banks, making sure incentive pay stays smart and safe. If you work in banking or finance, this affects you and helps keep things fair without extra costs or delays.