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 are writing to remind you that as of May 1, 2013, Federal Lobster Permit holders will no longer be allowed to fish with traps in Area 1 federal waters unless they have applied to and been granted access by NMFS beforehand. The application deadline is November 1, 2012.

To date, we have not received an application from you. If you have chosen not to apply, then no application is necessary and you may disregard the remainder of this letter. If, however, you wish to fish for traps in the federal waters of Area 1 in the future, then you must submit an application. 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.

In our previous letter to you, we informed you that our permit and trap tag records indicate that your vessel’s permit qualifies to participate in this fishery and meets the following eligibility criteria:

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.

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.

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