2012 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside (RSA)

archived

NMFS, in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting proposals under the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program that address research priorities concerning the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, Loligo squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, butterfish, and bluefish, and tilefish fisheries. The Mid-Atlantic RSA Program was created by the Council as a vehicle to fund research projects through the sale of research quota. Under this program, the Council may set aside up to 3-percent of the total allowable landings (TAL) from the above listed species to fund selected projects. Proceeds from the sale of research quota are used to pay for research costs and to compensate fishing vessels that harvest RSA quota. Any additional funds generated through the sale of the fish harvested under the research quota, above the cost of the research activities, shall be retained by the vessel owner as compensation for use of his/her vessel. Participating vessels may be authorized to harvest and land fish in excess of Federal possession limits and/or during fishery closures. No Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. NMFS and the Council will give priority to funding proposals addressing the research needs identified in Section I-B of the full opportunity document.

High