NMFS Northeast Region

MEDIA ADVISORY

NOAA Fisheries Will Not Implement Pilot DAS Leasing Program

Gloucester, Mass. – NOAA Fisheries will not implement a pilot program for days-at-sea leasing in the Northeast groundfish fleet. The pilot program was requested by the New England Fishery Management Council, and proposed by the agency in an emergency rule this past April. The program would have allowed leasing under controlled conditions through the current fishing year (ends April 30, 2004). Days-at-sea leasing is under discussion as part of the next amendment to the plan, to be implemented by fishing year 2004. Details can be found here.

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The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources.