Pacific Coast Groundfish Individual Fishing Quota
Annual Quota Pounds

The Committee has acquired Pacific Coast Groundfish Individual Fishing Quota Shares administered by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Committee acquired these Quota Shares for the purpose of maintaining local community access to fishing rights for social, economic, and environmental benefit of the local community. The Committee has resolved to establish an annual Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to transfer annual Quota Pounds generated by Quota Shares to an entity that will manage and harvest annual quota pounds to meet community-based fishery management standards and enhance the Morro Bay/Port San Luis, California Commercial Fishing Industry. The Committee is seeking proposals to manage and harvest annual quota pounds to further meet these objectives. The proposal selection process will be open to the public.

ELIGIBILITY FOR CONSIDERATION
To be eligible for consideration and approval, a proposal to manage and harvest annual quota pounds must be consistent with the Committee’s purpose, meet community-based fishery management standards, and enhance the Morro Bay/Port San Luis, California Commercial Fishing Industry.
Proposals must include or provide evidence of:
  1. Annual Quota Pound Management Plan – a written plan that describes the goals and objectives of quota pound use, including how quota pounds will be administered to fishing operations. The Quota Pound Management Plan must include a description of the methods used to maximize target harvest, manage any constraining species risk, ensure protection of sensitive habitat, and a clear description of the benefits that will accrue to support the Morro Bay/Port San Luis commercial fishing industry.
  2. Quota Pound Vessel Account – applicant must have a valid registered Vessel Account from the National Marine Fisheries Service and must be eligible to receive the annual quota pounds by transfer; and
  3. Trawl-Endorsed Pacific Coast Groundfish Limited Entry Permit – applicant must have a Trawl-Endorsed Pacific Coast Groundfish Limited Entry Permit.
In addition, a proposal must not be detrimental to the Submarine Cable Industry or to any segment of the Commercial Fishing Industry. The commercial fishing industry includes all fisheries, gear types, and vendors and/or services serving the commercial fishing industry.  Support facilities include shore facilities used by commercial fishing vessels, fishermen and their suppliers, even if the facilities also serve the general public, recreational fishing, or other industries.
The project must not break the law, and project proponents must agree to not break the law, steal, or illegally use information and/or software as part of the project.
Decisions of the Board are final. The Board reserves the right to carry out interim reviews and audits of approved proposals. Proposals will be approved on an annual basis.