Pre-qualified permit holder responses (Alternative 2, higher burden)

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS 2

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

PERMIT NUMBER: ########

MRI: #######

Dear Area 1 Lobster Fishery Permit Holder:

We published a final rule on DATE to implement a limited entry program for Area 1 (Gulf of Maine) American lobster trap fishery. That rule prohibits Federal lobster permit holder from fishing with lobster traps in the federal waters of Area 1 as of May 1, 2013 unless they have applied for and been granted access beforehand.  The qualification criteria are as follows:    

 
Eligibility Criteria

(1) Possession of a valid and current Federal lobster permit or Confirmation of Permit History as of the date of the application;

(2) Proof of an Area 1 designation on the Federal lobster trap permit during fishing year 2008 (May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009); and

(3) Proof of purchase of at least one Area 1 lobster trap tag for the fishing year 2008 Federal lobster permit in any FY from 2004 to 2008.

We reviewed our databases and can confirm that we have sufficient information on-hand to meet these qualification criteria if you wish to apply for Area 1 trap fishing access.  In other words, to apply for Area 1 trap fishing access, you need only sign and submit the enclosed form entitled “Application for Federal Lobster Area 1 Limited Entry Permit”; you do not need to also enclose documents that prove the qualification criteria.  

If you are interested in having your permit officially qualified for Area 1, you are required to check the box on the application page, sign the bottom of this application and mail it to:

NMFS, NERO, Area 1 Qualification

Attn: Permit Office

55 Great Republic Drive

Gloucester, MA, 01930

You may also submit your application by faxing it to: (978) 281-9135 or via email to Area1applications@noaa.gov.

Applications must be postmarked by November 1, 2012. However, we will give processing priority to applications submitted by September 1, 2012. Applications received after September 1, 2012 may not be fully processed in time for the 2013 fishing year.

Any permits with an Area 1 designation on the 2012 federal lobster permit (May 1, 2012-April 30, 2013) will be able to continue fishing with traps in Area 1 through the end of this fishing year. However, if your application for eligibility is denied, or if you do not submit an Area 1 trap gear eligibility application, your permit will no longer be eligible for Area1 trap fishing as of May 1, 2013. If you do not submit an application, or if your application is denied, your permit will not be authorized to fish with lobster traps in Area 1 beginning on May 1, 2013, and beyond, unless future regulations change this rule.

A signed and returned page 3 of this letter will serve as your application. Once we receive this checked and signed application, we will confirm our initial review and inform you of a final determination of your vessel’s permit and eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact Peter Burns at phone number: (978) 281-9144 or by e-mailing your question to: peter.burns@noaa.gov.

Sincerely,

Ted Hawes

TITLE

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS 2

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

PERMIT NUMBER: ########

MRI: #######

Application for Federal Lobster Area 1 Limited Entry Permit

Yes, I accept and ask that you confirm your initial review for my vessel’s qualification for an Area 1 (Gulf of Maine) American lobster trap fishery permit.

Signed Date

,

OMB Control No. 0648-0642

Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

3