Gulf of Mexico - Federal Shrimp Vessel Moratorium Permits Required Starting Mar 26

All shrimp vessel owners are reminded that a commercial shrimp vessel moratorium permit needs to be issued and aboard vessels fishing for or possessing shrimp in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico beginning on March 26, 2007. In October 2006, a 10-year moratorium on the issuance of new federal shrimp vessel permits for the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico was established. All currently active open access federal shrimp vessel permits will no longer be valid as of March 26, 2007. As of that date, only vessels eligible for a federal shrimp vessel moratorium permit will be allowed to fish for or possess shrimp in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Over the past few months, NOAA has attempted to provide information to all active shrimp vessel owners regarding the new moratorium permit requirements, application procedures, and the time frame of the moratorium. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the vessel owner to ensure an application is obtained and submitted to NOAA Fisheries. Owners of vessels who desire a commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp must submit an application to the Southeast Regional Office Permits Branch, postmarked or hand delivered no later than October 26, 2007. After that date, no applications for additional commercial vessel permits for Gulf shrimp will be accepted under the moratorium.

For more information, contact the Permits Branch of NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Regional Office at (727) 824-5326.

NOAA Fisheries Service