Due to confusion regarding the new HMS Angling permit and the change to allow activities under the General category permit, NOAA Fisheries published a temporary rule that provides a 30-day time period during which Atlantic tunas general category permit holders can make a one-time change to the new Atlantic HMS angling category permit. That temporary rule is effective through July 9, 2003. This temporary rule provides a 10-day period for all Atlantic Tunas General, Harpoon, and Trap categories and Atlantic HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat category permit holders to correct permit category errors. Atlantic Tunas Longline and Purse Seine category permits are limited access permits and are not eligible for changes under this rule. For persons issued 2003 Atlantic Tunas and Atlantic HMS category permits after June 23, 2003, corrections to a permit category must be made within 10 days of the date of issuance of the permit.

To make a permit category change under this temporary rule, dial (888) 872-8862 and press “0" from the main menu to reach a Customer Service representative. Go to the HMS Web site for more information.