Scientific Research, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted Educational Activity Submissions

This request is for revision and extension of a current information collection. Information collections that are already covered under other OMB Control Nos. have been removed. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and its regulations do not generally affect scientific research activities conducted by a scientific research vessel. Persons planning to conduct such research are encouraged to submit a scientific research plan to ensure that the activities are considered research and not fishing. The researchers are requested to submit reports of their scientific research activity after its completion. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may also grant exemptions from fishery regulations for educational or other activities (e.g., using non-regulation gear). The applications for these exemptions must be submitted, as well as reports on activities. Eligible researchers on board federally permitted fishing vessels that plan to temporarily possess fish in a manner not compliant with applicable fishing regulations for the purpose of collecting scientific data on catch may submit a request for a temporary possession letter of authorization. The researchers are requested to submit reports of their scientific research activity after its completion. .

The latest form for Scientific Research, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted Educational Activity Submissions expires 2021-11-30 and can be found here.

Scientific Research Plans

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Natural Resources - Conservation, Marine and Land Management