This collection of information pertains to a rulemaking action intended to control fishing efforts and increase economic flexibility in the American lobster trap fishery. The rule (RIN 0648-AT31)would implement the following preferred management measures: 1) Limiting the number of lobster trap permits in Lobster Management Area 2 and the Outer Cape Lobster Management Area based on historical participation; and 2) Limiting the number of traps fished by lobster permit holders based on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) recommendations for Federal lobster permit holders. The rule would also implement a trap transfer program whereby lobster permit holders could buy and sell lobster traps, during an annual period, up to a specified limit.
US Code:
16 USC 5101-5109
Name of Law: Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Management Act
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