New Limited Access Rules for Commercial Fishermen Catching Atlantic Swordfish, Sharks and Tuna by Longline Start July 1,1999; New Permits Mailed to Fishermen

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reminding commercial fishermen who hold federal permits to operate in the swordfish and shark fisheries and the tuna commercial longline fishery to expect new permit paperwork that will allow them to operate under new rules of access to these fisheries.

Nearly two weeks ago, the agency mailed new permits to those who have qualified to continue to fish in these limited access fisheries. Those fishermen who do not receive new permits may still qualify, but the deadlines for filing additional materials are limited. Below are some guidelines for fishermen.

ALL PREVIOUSLY ISSUED COMMERCIAL ATLANTIC SWORDFISH AND SHARK PERMITS ARE INVALID AS OF JULY 1, 1999. ELIGIBLE FISHERMEN SHOULD RECEIVE A NEW PERMIT BY MAIL.

ALL COMMERCIAL SWORDFISH AND SHARK PERMITS THAT EXPIRE MAY 31, 1999, MAY BE USED THROUGH JUNE 30, 1999.

STARTING JULY 1, 1999:

1. Commercial fishermen must hold three permits to fish for swordfish with all gears, except handgear (harpoon, handline, and rod & reel). To fish commercially for Atlantic swordfish, fishermen must have a directed or incidental swordfish limited access permit, an Atlantic tunas longline category permit, and at least an incidental shark limited access permit. Fishermen who have questions about the needed permits should immediately contact NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service at (301) 713-2347. For handgear requirements, see next bullet.
2. To fish commercially for Atlantic swordfish with handgear (harpoon, handline, and rod and reel), commercial fishermen must have a swordfish handgear limited access permit. Fishermen must apply for this permit by December 1, 1999.
3. To fish commercially for Atlantic sharks, commercial fishermen must have a directed or incidental shark limited access permit. If fishermen do not have a directed or incidental shark limited access permit and believe they should, please contact NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service at (301) 713-2347.
4. Commercial fishermen must hold three permits to fish for tunas with longline gear. To fish commercially for Atlantic tunas with longline gear, commercial fishermen must have an Atlantic tunas longline category permit, an incidental or directed swordfish limited access permit, and an incidental or directed shark limited access permit. If fishermen had a Atlantic tunas incidental category permit in 1998, they should receive at least an incidental swordfish limited access permit and at least an incidental shark limited access permit. Fishermen who have questions about the needed permits should immediately contact NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service at (301) 713-2347.

Commercial fishermen MUST APPLY by SEPTEMBER 1, 1999, if:

• they received a package stating they did not meet the limited access criteria and they believe they are eligible for a permit
• they received an incidental permit and believe they are eligible for a directed permit
• they did not receive a package

• they want a swordfish handgear permit

Commercial fishermen must renew their limited access swordfish and shark permits annually at the end of their birth month through the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, St. Petersburg, Fla., by calling 727-570-5326. Tuna longline category permits must be renewed annually at the end of the calendar year through NextLink Interactive, 888-USA-TUNA (888-972-8862).

Information regarding the limited access program, including the final rule to implement the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks, as well as the permit application and an informational worksheet, can be found on NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service website.

The National Marine Fisheries Service mailed permits to eligible permit holders on May 20, 1999. If fishermen have not received a permit renewal package and believe they are eligible, please contact Margo Schulze, Karyl Brewster-Geisz, or Lee Benaka at 301-713-2347.