Exempted Fishing Permit Application Process in Alaska

Who can apply? 

Anyone who is planning on fishing activities that would otherwise be prohibited by federal regulations may apply for an EFP. The permit is issued to the applicant but a copy must be on the vessel at all times during the project.

Which regulations describe the process for obtaining an EFP?

Regulations that describe the application and review process for EFPs are at 50 CFR 679.6 and 50 CFR 600.745. This information collection is approved by OMB Collection 0648-0206.

How do I apply?

Please refer to this template when drafting your EFP application.

There are two application periods - one in May and the other in September. You must follow the procedures detailed in 50 CFR 679.6 and 50 CFR 600.745, which include sending a completed application to the Alaska Regional Administrator for consideration.

1. Plan on the application process taking at least 8 to 12 months from the date your application is submitted until the EFP is issued. The time NOAA Fisheries requires to review your application depends on the complexity of the project, the type of NEPA review, and North Pacific Fishery Management Council's meeting schedule.
2. If your project is complex, contact NOAA Fisheries' Alaska Regional Office at least 12 months ahead of your desired EFP fishing start date.
3. If you plan to do an experiment, the design must be approved by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) before a permit may be issued. Applicants should work with the AFSC on the experimental design before submitting an EFP application.
4. Each EFP undergoes National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review. NOAA Fisheries may be able to issue a categorical exclusion (which takes a minimal amount of time) or may need to write an environmental analysis of the impacts of issuing the EFP (which could take a long time). The application and NEPA document would support the decision-making and inform the public of the EFP project. There may be an Endangered Species Act consultation required.
5. The Regional Administrator is also required to consult with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council before issuing an EFP. This requires a Federal Register notice of the receipt of an application (published by NOAA Fisheries) and may require a presentation of the EFP project to the Council by the applicant, which would take place at the October meeting for May applicants and the February meeting for September applicants.

Additional Resources

• Exempted Fishing Permits Issued in Alaska
• Exempted Fishing Permit Federal Register Notices
• Analyses of Exempted Fishing Permits
• Permits and Licenses Issued
• Federal Fisheries in Alaska