Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Ownership Interest
About
Disclosure of ownership in the Shorebased IFQ Groundfish Fishery is required to participate in the federal shore-based groundfish fishery in waters off of Washington, Oregon, and California.
A Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form must be completed and submitted to NOAA Fisheries at the address given on the form to provide ownership information for individuals or businesses renewing or applying for:
- A quota share (QS) permit and account.
- A vessel account.
- A mothership (MS) permit.
- A mothership catcher vessel (MS/CV) endorsed limited entry permit.
Any individual or business applying for or renewing any of the above permits, accounts, or endorsements must document those individual persons that have an ownership interest in the amount of greater than or equal to 2 percent.
Fishery Type: Limited Access
Harvest Type: Commercial
Species Covered: Groundfish
Online Renewal: Limited Entry Permits: No – NOAA Fisheries will mail LEP renewal packets to permit owners prior to September 15 of each year. The renewal period is October 1st through November 30.
IFQ QS and vessel accounts: Yes - During the annual online renewal period (October 1 - November 30).
Logbook Requirements: Yes
Transferable: Yes
Expiration Date: Annual, Expires December 31. Permits must be renewed each year by November 30.
Fishing Area: EEZ off of Washington, Oregon, and California coasts
Forms:
- Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form (PDF, 7 pages). Expires January 31, 2026.
- Section B - Extra Level (PDF, 1 page). Expires January 31, 2026.
- Section B - Additional Format (PDF, 1 page). Expires January 31, 2026.
Background
The West Coast Regional Office renews and transfers permits. Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Limited Entry permits were originally issued to vessel owners based upon their qualifying groundfish landings history. Because it is a limited entry fishery, no new permits can be issued. Regulations governing this fishery can be found at Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 660, Subparts D and E.
Additional Requirements
- Carry a Limited Entry Groundfish permit.
- Carry endorsements pursuant to their target species and method. These include gear endorsements, size endorsements, sablefish endorsements, and Mothership/Catcher Vessel (MS/CV) Endorsements.
- Meet 100% at-sea and landing monitoring requirements.
- Submit a completed electronic fish ticket for every IFQ landing no later than 24 hours after the date the fish are received.
- Carry a NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement-type approved and operational vessel monitoring system (VMS) unit.
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