Shark research fishery permits authorize participation in the shark research fishery and the collection of sandbar, other large coastal sharks, small coastal shark, smoothhound, and pelagic sharks from federal waters. For the purposes of scientific data collection, all trips are subject to 100 percent observer coverage.
NOAA Fisheries will select a limited number of qualified applicants to participate in the 2019 shark research fishery based on the temporal and spatial needs of the research objectives, the available quota, the availability of observers, and the availability of the qualified applicants. The shark research vessels may fish without an observer when not on a shark research fishery trip. A shark research fishery permit will only be valid through December 31, 2019, unless otherwise specified and for the specific vessel and owner(s) listed on the permit, subject to the terms and conditions listed on the permit.
The specific conditions of the permit (e.g., trip limit, gear requirements, and number of trips per month) will depend on the number of selected vessels, available quota, and the objectives of the research fishery.
NOAA Fisheries will review the submitted applications based on the selection criteria as described in the Federal Register notice and information provided on the application form to determine which applicants are qualified to participate in the shark research fishery in 2019.
Qualification Criteria
Vessels that meet all of the qualifications below will be considered for the shark research fishery. Qualified applicants are those who:
- Possess a valid directed or incidental* commercial shark permit.
- Possess a valid United States Coast Guard safety inspection decal when the application is submitted.
- Have not been charged criminally or civilly (e.g., issued a Notice of Violation and Assessment or Notice of Permit Sanction for any Highly Migratory Species-related violation.
- Have complied with NOAA Fisheries observer programs and are able to take a NOAA Fisheries-approved observer **.
- Submit a completed application no later than December 1, 2018.
* While incidental permit holders may apply, please note that for 2019, priority will be given to qualified directed permit holders to meet the research objectives.
**Priority will be given to vessels with past participation in the NOAA Fisheries observer program and those vessels that can participate year-round and who affirmatively state that they intend to do so, in order to ensure timely and accurate data collection needed to meet this year’s research objectives.
Completed Applications
Submit by Mail: HMS Management Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Email: NOAA Research Fishery
Copies of the application form are available on the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species webpage or by contacting the division at (301) 427-8503.
Additionally, please be advised your application may be released under the Freedom of Information Act.
