Groundfish First Receiver Site License
About
A valid First Receiver Site License (FRSL) is required to receive, purchase, or take custody, control, or possession of catch onshore from a vessel that harvested fish under the IFQ program. All buyers must hold an FRSL for each physical landing site in order to receive a landing of IFQ species. A single company may have multiple landing sites, each of which requires its own license.
A complete application packet includes:
- A state buyer’s license.
- A First Receiver Site License Application Form.
- A catch monitoring plan (see guidelines and a template).
- A completed EDC survey (for renewals).
- The application fee - check or money order payable to USDC/NOAA (see application form for fee amount).
Once we receive an application, we will set up a site inspection with the applicant. We'll attempt to schedule a site inspection as quickly as possible. However, because of cost and travel considerations, allow 60 days for us to complete site inspection. After a site inspection, the first receiver typically is required to provide an updated/revised catch monitor plan.
Fishery Type: Limited Access
Harvest Type: Commercial
Species Covered: Groundfish
Online Renewal: No – NOAA Fisheries will mail re-registration application packets to existing FRSL holders in February of each year. The renewal period is October 1 through November 30.
Logbook Requirements: Yes
Transferable: No
Expiration Date: Annual, expires June 30. Permits must be renewed each year by April 15.
Fishing Area: EEZ off of Washington, Oregon, and California coasts
Forms:
-
First Receiver Site License Application Form (PDF, 4 pages)
Background
The West Coast Regional Office issues and renews licenses. Regulations governing this fishery can be found at Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 660.
Additional Requirements
- First receivers must have a valid state buyer’s license.
- First receivers are responsible for having a catch monitor onsite to observe and ensure all catch is offloaded from a vessel, sorted (by species or species groups), and weighed in accordance with a valid catch monitoring plan.
- Each FRSL is required to have a site inspection at least once every three years, and site inspections typically occur between May 1 and June 15.
- Application packets must include a catch monitoring plan detailing how the first receiver will meet each of the performance standards. Guidelines for the development of a catch monitoring plan can be found here.
Need Help?
West Coast Groundfish Fishing Permits
West Coast Regional Office
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg. 1
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206-526-4353