Scientific Research & Research Set-Aside Programs
Research Permits and Acknowledgements
Undertaking scientific research on regulated fisheries may require special permits, as required by experimental fishing regulations established under the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act). There are three main types of research permits for exemption from Greater Atlantic Region fishery regulations: Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP); Temporary Possession Letter of Authorization, and Exempted Educational Activity Authorization (EEAA). The Magnuson Act also includes scientific research provisions that enable NOAA Fisheries to acknowledge, through a Letter of Acknowledgment, certain activities that are not subject to Greater Atlantic Region fishery regulations. Click here to find out if you will require an EFP, Temporary Possession Letter of Authorization, or EEAA, or are eligible for a scientific research Letter of Acknowledgment.
You may also need to obtain approval from NOAA Fisheries’ Protected Resources Division for research that may impact species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and/or Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). To learn more about ESA and MMPA exemptions and authorizations, click here.
Research Set-Aside Programs
Research Set-Aside (RSA) programs are unique Federal grant programs established through Greater Atlantic Region fishery management plans (FMPs) that promote collaboration between fishermen and scientists to address high priority research issues. RSA programs support applied research projects that are intended to support management decisions, and to refine and improve stock assessments. Through each respective RSA program, pounds or days-at-sea are awarded through a competitive grant process to fund the research. RSA programs have been established under the following FMPs: Atlantic Sea Scallop; Monkfish; Atlantic Herring; Bluefish; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass; Spiny Dogfish; Squid, Atlantic Mackerel and Butterfish; and Golden Tilefish. Click here for more information on RSA programs and projects that have been awarded.
2016 Exempted Fishing Permit Federal Register Actions
- 10/18/2016
- Notice; Request for Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; BSB Research Fleet EFP
- 09/01/2016
- Temporary Rule; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; NC to NY Quota Transfer
- 07/14/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; CCE FSB mesh selectivity EFP
- 07/13/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; MA DMF Climate Change Lobster EFP
- 06/15/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2016 MADMF Whiting Exempted Fishery Study EFP
- 06/10/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; Rod and Reel Fishing in WGOM Closed Area EFP
- 05/25/2016
- Notice; Request for Comments; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; Box Dredge EFP
- 05/04/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; DA16-024 CFF Georges Bank Optimization Study EFP
- 04/12/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; CFF Compensation Fishing Gear Research EFP
- 04/12/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; TNC EM EFP
- 04/07/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2016 UNE Atlantic Cod Bycatch from Lobster Traps EFP
- 04/05/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; CFF LAGC Modified Sweep EFP
- 04/05/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; DA16-013 NFI Incidental Discard Mortality EFP
- 03/24/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2016 Monkfish RSA EFP
- 03/16/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; CFF Fluke Cable TED EFP
- 02/25/2016
- Notice; Request For Comments; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; DA15-084 CFF Resource Enhancement Study EFP
Click Below for Past Federal Register Actions & Public Comments:
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