The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is opening applications for permits to use deep-set buoy gear to catch fish like swordfish off the coasts of California and Oregon. This is part of a plan to support sustainable fishing and was authorized by amendments to the fisheries management plan. Applicants have from February 1 to March 31, 2025, to apply for these limited entry permits online. The NMFS will issue up to 25 permits annually on a first-come, first-served basis, and priorities will be given in subsequent years to those who applied but didn't receive a permit in the previous year.
Simple Explanation
The government is giving special tickets to 25 people each year to catch fish in the ocean using certain fishing tools, and if you didn’t get a ticket last year, you might have a better chance next year.