Groundfish Catcher/Processor Cooperative Permit
About
A valid Catcher/Processor Cooperative Permit (C/P Coop Permit) is required to operate in the at-sea whiting C/P fishery. Participants are LEP holders with C/P endorsed permits.
A Catcher/Processor Cooperative Permit Application Form must be completed and submitted to NOAA Fisheries at the address given to apply for a catcher/processor (C/P) cooperative permit. To be an eligible CP cooperative (coop) entity, a group of C/P-endorsed limited entry permit owners (coop members) must be a recognized entity under the laws of the United States or the laws of a State and represent all of the coop members.
Fishery Type: Limited Access
Harvest Type: Commercial
Species Covered: Whiting
Online Renewal: No
Logbook Requirements: Yes
Transferable: No
Expiration Date: Annual, expires December 31. A designated coop manager must submit an application each year between February 1 and March 31 that the coop intends to fish for the re-registration process.
Fishing Area: EEZ off of Washington, Oregon, and California coasts
Forms:
- Catcher/Processor Cooperative Permit Application Form (PDF, 4 pages). Expires January 31, 2026.
Background
The West Coast Regional Office issues and renews permits. Regulations governing this fishery can be found at Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 660, Subparts D and E.
Additional Requirements
- Members of the coop must carry endorsements pursuant to their target species and method. These include gear endorsements, size endorsements, sablefish endorsements, and/or Catcher Vessel (CV) Endorsements.
- Any vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit that is 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA or longer must carry two certified observers, and any vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit that is shorter than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA must carry one certified observer, each day that the vessel is used to take, retain, receive, land, process, or transport groundfish.
- Maintain a valid declaration as specified at §660.13(d); maintain records as specified at §660.113(a); and maintain and submit all records and reports specified at §660.113(d) including economic data, scale tests records, cease fishing reports, and cost recovery.
- Members must carry an operational vessel monitoring system unit supplied and installed by the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement.
Need Help?
West Coast Groundfish Fishing Permits
West Coast Regional Office
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg. 1
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206-526-4353