Fishing Capacity Reduction Programs

Section 312(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) authorizes the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to conduct a fishing capacity reduction program if funds are provided and it is determined that such a program is necessary to prevent or end overfishing, rebuild stocks of fish, or achieve measurable or significant improvements in the conservation and management of the fishery. Under this authority, the Secretary may buy back vessels and/or fishing permits in order to obtain the maximum sustained reduction in fishing capacity at the least cost and in a minimum period of time.

The capacity reduction program must be consistent with any State and Federal fishery management plans in place for that fishery. Funding for such programs is authorized under Section 312(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and allows NMFS to obtain funding under authorization of the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act, through specific appropriations, from industry fee systems, and from public, private, or non-profit sources.

Please see the links below for general information and the program links for specific details.

• MSRA Buyback Framework Final Rule - 10/08/10 (PDF)
• MSRA Buyback Framework Proposed Rule - 06/14/10 (PDF)
• Framework Interim Final Rule - 5/18/2000 (PDF)

Programs

BSAI Crab Buyback