Section 648.203 - Gear restrictions(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 § 648.80(a)(17) , provided it complies with the midwater trawl gear exemption requirements specified under the NE multispecies regulations at § 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 § 648.80(a)(17) , provided it complies with the purse seine exemption requirements specified under the NE multispecies requirements at § 648.80(e) , including issuance of a Letter of Authorization.72 FR 11277, 3/12/2007, as amended at 83 FR 15275, 4/9/2018