Applications for the new Limited Entry (LE) Deep-Set Buoy Gear (DSBG) permit and the DSBG gear endorsements for highly migratory species (HMS) permits are now available.
Two types of permits are available for vessels employing deep-set buoy gear:
- LE DSBG permits are required for persons inside the Southern California Bight (defined by a northern boundary of 34°26′54.96″ N latitude [i.e., Point Conception, California], a southern boundary of the U.S.-Mexico maritime border, and a western boundary of 120°28′18″ W longitude) who target, retain, transship, or land fish captured with DSBG.
- Open Access HMS permits with DSBG endorsement are required for persons shoreward of the seaward boundary of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Oregon and California who target, retain, transship, or land fish captured with DSBG.
To apply for either of these permits, please go to the NOAA Fisheries Permits Website.
Applications for LE DSBG permits are due August 7, 2023. This is a one-time application period to qualify for a LE DSBG permit. Applications for Open Access HMS permits are available year round.
Please refer to the Final Rule for the Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Fisheries; Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Authorization of Deep-Set Buoy Gear for additional regulations and supporting materials.
For more information, contact
the West Coast Permits Office at wcr-permits@noaa.gov or (562) 980-4238.
You can also get information on our West Coast DSBG permits page, or by visiting the West Coast Region Permits page.
