NOAA Fisheries encourages persons or entities conducting scientific research off the West Coast to request a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for scientific research from the Regional Administrator (RA).
Who should request an LOA?
LOA’s should be requested for any non-NMFS controlled scientific research that may affect West Coast groundfish. Applicants may include, but are not limited to: Federal or State research programs; educational institutions; privately funded or not-for-profit research organizations; vessel owners or operators wishing to participate in scientific fishing; etc. NMFS research entities, those using NOAA-funded grants to conduct all or part of their research, and research conducted on vessels controlled by NOAA or NMFS, should apply for an SRP, not an LOA.
How do I request an LOA?
Persons or organizations meeting the requirements above should submit to the RA a letter of request, with a complete scientific research plan attached, at least 60 days prior to its start, or as soon as practicable (see LOA guidance (PDF 12KB)). The RA will then issue, to the operator or master of that vessel or the sponsoring institution, a letter of acknowledgment. If the RA, after review of the research plan, determines that it does not constitute scientific research, he/she will inform the applicant in writing, perhaps recommending revisions to the research plan to make the cruise acceptable as scientific research activity, or recommending the applicant request an EFP.
What is a scientific research plan, and where do I send it?
NOAA Fisheries NWR has provided guidance for writing and submission of scientific research plans (PDF 18KB). Submit a letter of request, with the complete research plan attached, to the Regional Administrator at the address below.
I was issued an LOA last year; is it still valid if I continue my research this year?
An LOA is valid until the ending “Effective Date” on the signed LOA, or December 31 of the issuing year if no closing effective date is listed. An important reminder: new LOAs will not be issued until data from the previous LOA is submitted, including amount, composition, and disposition of catch. See the catch data submission template (Excel 37KB), which includes a “Read Me” worksheet.
I’ve received my LOA. Now what?
Every vessel participating under the research plan should carry a copy of the scientific research plan and signed LOA onboard while conducting scientific research cruises. NOAA Fisheries also requests submission of a cruise report and catch data summary, no later than six months after the completion of the research or prior to requesting an LOA for continuation of this research. For more information on submitting catch data, see our catch data submission template (Excel 37KB), which includes a “Read Me” worksheet.
Please call staff of the Groundfish Management Branch at (206) 526-6140 for questions regarding LOA requests.
