NMFS issues these regulations pursuant to its authority under Chapter 537 of the Shipping Act, (formerly known as Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended and codified), as well as the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These regulations revise the operating rules of the Fisheries Finance Program (FFP or Program) and set forth procedures, eligibility criteria, loan terms, and other requirements related to FFP lending to the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. FFP assistance includes loans for fishing vessels, fish processing facilities, aquaculture facilities, individual fishing quota (IFQ) permits, and participants in community development quota (CDQ) programs.