whiting-efp-preqaul-questionnaire-final.pdf

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

1213 Purchase St. 3rd Floor New Bedford, MA 02740

(508)990-2860 fax (508)990-0449

TO INTERESTED WHITING FISHING INDUSTRY MEMBERS:

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) is seeking members of the whiting fishery interested in participating in a small-mesh experimental fishery in areas of the Gulf of Maine. This work will look to determine if earlier openings of Small Mesh Area 1 and/or the Raised Footrope Exemption areas are suitable for targeting small-mesh species.

At this time, MA DMF is trying to gather a list of interested permit holders for possible participation in an experimental fishery. MA DMF then will invite those pre-qualified to bid on a formal Request for Responses (RFR) for inclusion under a federal Exempted Fishing Permit to conduct this project.

Pre-qualification will be limited to those impacted by the recent groundfish disaster given this work is being funded through the Commonwealth’s Groundfish Disaster Economic Assistance Program.

At this point, no compensation is planned for participation; however, vessels will be able to keep and land whiting and red hake. MA DMF will provide the required observer coverage at no cost to the vessel.

Please fill out the following requested information:

Owner Name (print): ________________________ Business Name: _________________________

Owner Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Business Address: ________________________________________________________________

Phone: _( __ ) __ -____________ Email: _________________________________________

Did you qualify for aid as a permit holder under the Commonwealth’s Groundfish Disaster Economic

Assistance Program? (check all that apply) Bin 1: ___ Bin 2: ___ Bin 3: ___

Vessel Name: _________________________________ Federal Permit #: __________________

Vessel Size (LOA): _________ Vessel HP:__________ Home Port:________________________

Small-Mesh Areas Typically Fished: ___________________________________________________

Species Targeted: __________________________________________________________________

- Please turn over -

David E. Pierce

Director

Charles D. Baker Governor

Karyn E. Polito Lieutenant Governor Matthew A. Beaton

Secretary George N. Peterson, Jr.

Commissioner Mary-Lee King

Deputy Commissioner

Below are the areas/times likely to be studied under this experimental fishery. Please rank the sub-areas in the Gulf of Maine in which you have the most interest (1), less interest (2), and least interest

(3) to participate:

___ Small Mesh Area 1 during July 1-14 (currently open July 15 – November 15)

___ Raised Footrope Exemption Area, west of Provincetown, during August (currently open Sep 1 – Nov. 20)

___ Raised Footrope Exemption Area, east of Provincetown, during August (currently open Sep. 1 – Dec. 31)

Other comments/suggestions: _________________________________________________________

Please return this form to:

David Chosid

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 1213 Purchase St., 3rd Floor New Bedford, MA 02740

FAX: 508.990.0449

Email: david.chosid@state.ma.us

For additional questions, feel free to contact David Chosid by phone at (508)990-2860 ext. 140 or above email.