March 1, 2016 — We are announcing 2016 fishing opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area for U.S. fishing vessels.
Read the announcement as filed in the Federal Register.
Background
The United States is a Contracting Party to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization or NAFO. NAFO is an intergovernmental fisheries science and management body whose convention on Northwest Atlantic Fisheries applies to most fishery resources in international waters of the Northwest Atlantic.
NAFO’s Fisheries Commission is responsible for the management and conservation of the fishery resources in its Regulatory Area.
What NAFO fishing opportunities are available to U.S. fishing vessels?
NAFO manages Atlantic cod, yellowtail and witch flounders, Acadian redfish, American plaice, Greenland halibut, white hake, capelin, shrimp, skates, and Illex squid. NAFO maintains conservation measures for these species (in its Regulatory Area), including catch limits that are allocated among NAFO Contracting Parties.
Who can apply for these fishing opportunities?
Any U.S. fishing interests (e.g., vessel owners, processors, agents, others).
How do I apply?
Send an expression of interest in writing to:
John K. Bullard
U.S. Commissioner to NAFO
NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
phone: 978-281-9315
For more information, read the Federal Register announcement, visit the NAFO website, or contact:
Michael Ruccio
NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
phone: 978-281-9104
fax: 978-281-9135
The deadline is March 15.