Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application for U.S. West Coast highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries that warrants further consideration at this time. The EFP applicant requests exemptions from regulatory provisions pertaining to the use of authorized gear types under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). The applicant proposes to test the effects and efficacy of using monofilament rings as an alternative form of terminal tackle (herein referred to as "ring tackle") used to harvest swordfish and other HMS off of the U.S. West Coast. During the March 2026 Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting, the Council reviewed and endorsed the EFP application and recommended that NMFS approve it. NMFS has determined that this application warrants further consideration and is requesting public comment on it.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648-XF666] AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. SUMMARY: NMFS received an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application for U.S. West Coast highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries that warrants further consideration at this time. The EFP applicant requests exemptions from regulatory provisions pertaining to the use of authorized gear types under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). The applicant proposes to test the effects and efficacy of using monofilament rings as an alternative form of terminal tackle (herein referred to as “ring tackle”) used to harvest swordfish and other HMS off of the U.S. West Coast. During the March 2026 Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting, the Council reviewed and endorsed the EFP application and recommended that NMFS approve it. NMFS has determined that this application warrants further consideration and is requesting public comment on it. DATES: Comments must be submitted in writing by May 18, 2026. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2026-1090, by any of the following methods: Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA-NMFS-20…
Citation: 91 FR 20416
