January 12, 2010

Dear Everyone, Here is important news from NOAA regarding the application process for Moratorium permits.

http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2010/
chapplications011110.htm

NEWS RELEASE
January 11, 2010
Sheela McLean, Public Affairs
(907) 586-7032

NOAA sets application period for sport charter halibut fishing permits
Sport charter halibut fishing operators in Southeast Alaska and the central Gulf of Alaska must apply for a permit to operate in the new limited license program between February 4 and April 5, 2010.

"This is a one-time opportunity to apply for sport charter halibut permits," said Doug Mecum, Acting Administrator of NOAA Fisheries' Alaska Region. "The dates are important. If you don't apply between February 4 and April 5 this year, you won't get a permit, even if you qualify otherwise."

The new limited access program will limit the number of operators in the sport charter halibut fisheries in International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (the central Gulf of Alaska).

Permits will be issued to qualifying individuals or businesses that documented fishing trips—in state log books—during a qualifying year (2004 or 2005) and in the recent participation year, 2008.

Charter halibut operators will be required to carry their new permit on board starting February 1, 2011.

Details are available at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/halibut/sport.htm

The Alaska Region of NOAA Fisheries staff will be sending application packets with blank forms to all operators they believe to be eligible, and that they have current addresses for. Application forms will also be available on the web at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/default.htm or by contacting NMFS at 1-800-304-4846 (option 2).

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit www.noaa.gov. To learn more about NOAA Fisheries in Alaska, visit alaskafisheries.noaa.gov or: www.afsc.noaa.gov.