NMFS issues interim final framework regulations specifying procedures for requesting and conducting fishing capacity reduction programs (reduction programs). A reduction program pays harvesters in a fishery with too much fishing capacity either to surrender their fishing permits for that fishery or both to surrender all their fishing permits and withdraw their fishing vessels from all fishing. Reduction costs can be paid by post-reduction harvesters, taxpayers, or others. The intent is to decrease excess harvesting capacity, increase the economic efficiency of harvesting, and facilitate the conservation and management of fishery resources in each fishery in which NMFS conducts a reduction program.