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

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS 2

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

PERMIT NUMBER: ########

MRI: #######

Dear Area 1 Lobster Permit Holder:

We published a final rule on DATE to implement a limited entry program for Area 1 (Gulf of Maine) American lobster trap fishery. That rule prohibits Federal lobster permit holder from fishing with lobster traps in the federal waters of Area 1 as of May 1, 2013 unless they have applied for and been granted access beforehand.  The qualification criteria are as follows:

(1) Possession of a valid and current Federal lobster permit or Confirmation of Permit History as of the date of the application;

(2) Proof of an Area 1 designation on the Federal lobster trap permit during fishing year 2008 (May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009); and

(3) Proof of purchase of at least one Area 1 lobster trap tag for the FY 2008 Federal lobster permit in any fishing year from 2004 to 2008.

We reviewed our databases and do not have sufficient information on-hand at present for your permit to meet these qualification criteria. As a result, if you are interested in applying for Area 1 trap fishing access, you will need to sign and submit the enclosed form entitled “Application for Federal Lobster Area 1 Limited Entry Permit,” as well as also enclose documents that prove the qualification criteria. We will accept the following type of 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.

If you want to apply, please sign and date page 3 of this letter and include the necessary supporting documentation. Your complete application packet will consist of this signed application form and the supporting documentation. Mail your application packet to:

NMFS, NERO, Area 1 Qualification

ATTN: Permit Office

55 Great Republic Drive

Gloucester, MA, 01930

You may also submit your application by faxing it to (978) 281-9135; or via email to [email protected].

Applications must be postmarked by November 1, 2012. However, we will give processing priority to applications submitted by September 1, 2012. Applications received after September 1, 2012 may not be fully processed in time for the 2013 fishing year.

Any permits with an Area 1 designation on the 2012 federal lobster permit (May 1, 2012-April 30, 2013) will be able to continue fishing with traps in Area 1 through the end of this fishing year. However, if your application for eligibility is denied, or if you do not submit an Area 1 trap gear eligibility application, your permit will no longer be eligible for Area1 trap fishing as of May 1, 2013. If you do not submit an application, or if your application is denied, your permit will not be authorized to fish with lobster traps in Area 1 beginning on May 1, 2013, and beyond, unless future regulations change this rule.

A signed and returned page 3 of this 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.

Sincerely,

Ted Hawes

TITLE

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS 2

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

PERMIT NUMBER: ########

MRI: #######

Application for Federal Lobster Area 1 Limited Entry Permit

I ask that you review the information submitted in this application packet to qualify for an Area 1 (Gulf of Maine) American lobster trap fishery permit.

I have included:

P roof of possession of a valid and current Federal lobster permit or Confirmation of Permit History as of the date of the application;

P roof of an Area 1 designation on the Federal lobster trap permit during fishing year 2008 (May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009); and

P roof of purchase of at least one Area 1 lobster trap tag for the FY 2008 Federal lobster permit in any fishing year from 2004 to 2008.

Signed Date

OMB Control No. 0648-0642

Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

3