NMFS Proposes Changes In Tuna, Shark Rules

April 18, 2008

Release from:

The National Marine Fisheries Service wants to change the rules for Atlantic tunas longline limited access permits and Atlantic shark identification workshop attendance requirements.

The service has proposed that a rule be put in place to remove the one-year renewal time frame for Atlantic tunas longline limited access permits.

It would allow for the renewal of the permit by the most recent permit holder of record, if it had been expired for more than one year, provided that the associated swordfish and shark limited access permits have been maintained through timely renewal and other current permit renewal requirements are met.

This action would not amend current regulations that specifiy that only persons holding non-expired swordfish and shark permits in the preceding year are eligible to renew those permits.

The requirement to possess swordfish and shark limited access permits in order to obtain an Atlantic tunas permit would remain in effect.

The rule also proposes a minor modification to the Atlantic shark identification workshop attendance requirements for businesses issued Atlantic shark dealer permits that have more than one dealer location listed on their dealer permit.

NMFS is proposing that shark dealers must submit for permit renewal and later display an Atlantic shark identification workshop certificate (dealer or proxy) for each place of business where Atlantic sharks are first received, rather than from each location listed on the Atlantic shark dealer permit.

Further, NMFS proposes to require that extensions of a dealer's business, such as trucks and other conveyances, must possess a copy of a valid dealer or proxy certificate issued to a place of business covered by the dealer permit.

A public hearing on the rule will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., May 7 at NOAA Auditorium, 1301 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., May 1 at NMFS Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Dr., Gloucester, Mass.

The comment period will close May 12. Comments should be mailed to: NMFS HMS Management Division, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.