NMFS announces that 34 American Samoa pelagic longline limited entry permits in two permit size classes are available for 2024. NMFS is accepting applications for these
available permits. Federal regulations at 50 CFR 665.816 allow NMFS to re-issue permits for the American Samoa pelagic longline limited entry program if the number of permits falls below the maximum allowed. At least 34 permits are available for issuance in the following permit size classes, as follows:
• 21 in Small (vessels up to 50 feet or 15.24 meters in overall length), and
• 13 in Large (vessels overall length 50 feet or 15.24 meters and longer).
NMFS must receive complete permit applications including payment by August 29, 2024.
Download a blank application from the NOAA Fisheries website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/american-samoa-longlinelimited-entry-permit. Submit your application and pay the processing fee electronically per instructions at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/commercial-fishing/apply-pacificislands-fishing-permit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Walter Ikehara, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), Sustainable Fisheries, tel 808–725–5175 or email PIRO-permits@noaa.gov.