NOAA Reviews Atlantic Fishing Permit for New Traps
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is reviewing a special fishing permit request that would let some commercial fishing boats try new gear and use more traps than usual along the Atlantic coast. This change supports research by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation and could help improve fishing methods. People have until May 19, 2026, to share their thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Trap Limit Increase for EFP Vessels
The EFP would exempt participating vessels from trap limits at Sec. 697.19(a)–(d) to allow 3 additional traps per fishing vessel, for a total of up to 60 additional modified traps across the project. The project would include up to 20 vessels and up to 60 modified traps in total.
Allowed Modified Ventless Trap Gear
If approved, participating federally permitted fishing vessels may use modified ventless traps with closed escape vents and smaller trap mesh and entrance heads under the Exempted Fishing Permit during the project period (07/01/2026–05/31/2027). This exemption would waive the gear specification at 50 CFR 697.21(c) only for vessels taking part in the CFRF project.
Untagged Modified Traps Allowed with ID
The EFP would exempt participating vessels from trap tag requirements at Sec. 697.19(j) to allow the use of untagged modified traps, although each modified trap will have the participating fisherman's identification attached. This applies only to traps used under the EFP.
Authorized Onboard Sampling of Protected Lobsters and Crabs
The EFP would exempt participating vessels from possession restrictions at Sec. 697.20(a),(d),(g),(h)(1) and (h)(2) to allow onboard biological sampling of undersized, v-notched, and egg-bearing lobsters and undersized and egg-bearing Jonah crabs. Operators must return all specimens from modified gear to the ocean once sampling is complete.
EFP Research Scale, Dates, and Comment Deadline
The proposed project would run from July 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 with up to 20 vessels (up to 7 inshore, up to 13 offshore), up to 52 trips per inshore vessel and up to 36 per offshore vessel (up to 832 total trips), up to 2,496 sets, and up to 3,328 total days. Public comments on the EFP must be received by May 19, 2026.
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