Mandatory Shrimp Vessel and Gear Characterization Survey

March 7, 2014

F/SEC4:RS:RZ:rs

Dear Permit Holder:
Pursuant to the requirements of 50 CFR 622.5(a)(1)(iii)(C) and (D), owners of a vessel for which a
federal commercial vessel permit for Gulf of Mexico shrimp has been issued, must annually report the
permitted vessel’s gear characterization and total annual landings and value of shrimp, by species.
Through this form, NMFS is collecting information from all federally permitted shrimp vessel
owners/operators on fishing vessel and gear characteristics in the Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ) shrimp fishery. The data collected are currently being analyzed by NMFS economists, gear
specialists, and fishery biologists to improve fishery management decision-making in this fishery. This
information is vital in assessing the economic, social, and environmental effects of fishery management
decisions and regulations on individual shrimp fishing enterprises, fishing communities, and the nation as
a whole.
Enclosed are a postage paid business reply return envelope for your convenience and two form packets:
the “Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Federal Permit Reporting Form” for total landings for fishing year 2013; and
the “Gulf Shrimp Vessel & Gear Characterization Form” for gear information for fishing year 2013. It is
required that both forms be returned to the Galveston Laboratory in order to be eligible to renew your
Federal Permit for vessels fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Incomplete or illegible forms
will be returned.
Please use the enclosed postage paid envelope and DO NOT affix any additional postage, signature or
delivery confirmation, upon this envelope as the US Postal Service will deem the letter undeliverable and
your forms will not be received. If you wish to use any additional US Postal Service delivery
confirmation options, please use your own envelope and postage.
If you have questions about filling out or mailing any of these forms, please contact Rebecca Smith at the
National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Galveston Laboratory (409) 7663783.
Sincerely,

Roger Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Laboratory Director

Enclosures