Maine Center Tests Rule-Breaking Fishing Techniques via Permit
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Notice
Summary
Fishing boats with federal permits might get special permission to try new fishing methods that don’t follow some usual rules, thanks to a request from the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. This chance lets them test out ideas to help manage fish better, but folks have until September 29, 2026, to share their thoughts. If approved, it could change how some fish are caught without extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EFP authorizes 2-vessel EGOM research survey
If you operate a federally permitted fishing vessel in eastern Maine, this Exempted Fishing Permit would allow 2 vessels to run an Eastern Gulf of Maine (EGOM) Sentinel Survey from October 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. The project would run 15 one-day trips (up to 40 sets per trip, up to 450 sets total) using rod-and-reel jigging; scientific staff would be aboard and no catch may be landed for sale.
Temporary permit exemptions for sampling
The EFP would exempt participating vessels from permit rules in 50 CFR 648.4(a)(1) and 648.4(a)(5)(iii) so that a lobster-permitted vessel can temporarily possess Atlantic cod and pollock for biological sampling and participating vessels can fish for and possess Atlantic mackerel for biological sampling during the survey.
Allow sampling of undersized cod and small personal landings
The EFP would exempt participating vessels from the size restriction in Sec. 648.83(a) to allow sampling of all sizes of cod and pollock during surveys and would permit landing up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of lethally sampled cod per trip for personal use. All other catch must be returned to the sea and no catch may be sold.
Waiver of DAS requirement for EFP trips
The EFP would exempt a limited access Northeast multispecies Category A vessel from the requirement in Sec. 648.82(a) to use a Days-At-Sea (DAS) when conducting the authorized EFP-related activities, so the vessel may conduct the survey without using a DAS.
Key Dates
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