Pre-qualified permit holder responses (Alternative 2, higher burden)

Alternative 3, Scenario 1 Pre-Qualification Letter

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS 2

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

PERMIT NUMBER: ########

Dear Area 1 Lobster Fishery Constituent:

We published a final rule on DATE to implement a limited entry program for Area 1 (Gulf of Maine) American lobster trap fishery. Our permit and trap tag records indicate that your vessel’s permit pre-qualifies to participate in this fishery and meets the following eligibility criteria:

(1) Possession of a valid and current Federal Lobster permit as of the date of the application; and

(2) That the involved Federal Lobster Permit had an Area 1 trap designation at some time during the 2008 fishing year, which occurred from May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009; and

(3) That at least one trap tag was purchased to fish with traps under the involved Federal Lobster Permit in any one fishing year from 2004 to 2008.

If you are interested in having the permit officially qualified for Area 1, you are required to check the box below, sign the bottom of this application and mail it to:

NMFS, NERO

55 Great Republic Drive

Gloucester, MA, 01930

This signed and returned letter will serve as your application. Once we receive this checked and signed application, we will confirm our initial review and inform you of a final determination of your vessel’s permit and eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact Peter Burns at phone number: (978) 281-9144 or by e-mailing your question to: [email protected].

Yes, I accept and ask that you confirm your initial review for my vessel’s pre-qualification for a permit for Area 1 (Gulf of Maine) American lobster trap fishery.

Signed Date

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Kurkul

Regional Administrator

OMB Control No. 0648-XXXX

Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx