Non-pre-qualified respondents - submit documentation (Alternative 2, higher burden)

Alternative 3, Scenario 2 – Non-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 there is insufficient data available to pre-qualify the permit’s eligibility based on the criteria set forth in the final rule; however, you may submit an application to qualify your vessel’s permit for the Area 1 lobster trap fishery by submitting documentation in support of the following eligibility criteria published in the final rule.

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.

Documentary Proof

(1) As proof of a valid Federal lobster permit, the applicant must provide a copy of the vessel's current Federal lobster permit. The potential qualifier may, in lieu of providing a copy, provide NMFS with such data that would allow NMFS to identify the Federal Lobster Permit in its data base, which would at a minimum include: the applicant's name and address, vessel name and permit number.

(2) As proof of the Lobster Permit’s 2008 Area 1 trap designation, the applicant must provide a copy of the vessel’s Federal Lobster Permit for the 2008 Fishing Year. The potential qualifier may, in lieu of providing a copy, provide NMFS with such data that would allow NMFS to identify the Federal Lobster Permit in its data base, which would at a minimum include: the applicant's name and address, vessel name and permit number.

(3) As proof of trap tag purchases in any one fishing year from 2004 to 2008, the applicant must provide documentation from those years, either from the trap tag vendor supplying the tags or from the state or Federal government agency, affirming the purchase of the tags from the vendor.

Please sign this form which will serve as the cover letter for your application and include the supporting documentation. Your complete application packet will consist of this signed application form and the supporting documentation. Sign and date this letter and mail your application packet to:

Patricia Kurkul

Northeast Regional Administrator

NMFS, NERO

55 Great Republic Drive

Gloucester, MA, 01930

If you have any questions, please contact Peter Burns at phone number: (978) 281-9144.

Signed Dated

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Kurkul

Regional Administrator

OMB Control No. 0648-XXXX

Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx