(a) Midwater trawl gear may only be used by a vessel issued a valid herring permit in the GOM/GB Exemption Area as defined in Sec. 648.80(a)(17), and in the Nantucket Lightship Area as described in Sec. 648.81(c)(1), provided it complies with the midwater trawl gear exemption requirements specified under the NE multispecies regulations at Sec. 648.80(d), including issuance of a Letter of Authorization.
(b) Purse seine gear may only be used by a vessel issued a valid herring permit in the GOM/GB Exemption Area as defined in Sec. 648.80(a)(17), provided it complies with the purse seine exemption requirements specified under the NE multispecies requirements at Sec. 648.80(e), including issuance of a Letter of Authorization.