Exemption for U.S. Longline Vessels to Fish in Portions of the American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited Area
Summary
NOAA Fisheries implements a regulatory exemption that allows certain U.S. longline vessels 50 feet (15.2 m) and larger (“large longline vessels”) to fish in portions of the American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited Area. The intent is to comply with a U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision and Order that reversed a district court ruling that had vacated and set aside the exemption. This rule is effective July 6, 2021.