Section 312(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act authorizes NOAA Fisheries 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 of Commerce 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 NOAA Fisheries 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.
- Magnuson-Stevens Act Buyback Framework Final Rule - 10/08/10
- Magnuson-Stevens Act Buyback Framework Proposed Rule - 06/14/10
- Framework Interim Final Rule - 5/18/2000
- Privacy Act Statement
Programs
- Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Buyback
- Pacific Coast Groundfish Buyback
- Longline Catcher Processor Non-Pollock Groundfish Buyback
- Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Buyback
- American Fisheries Act Pollock Buyback
Contact
Michael A. Sturtevant
Financial Services Division (F/MB5)
Office of Management and Budget
NOAA Fisheries
1315 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
michael.a.sturtevant@noaa.gov
(301) 427-8799
