(a) The commission may establish a moratorium on new entrants into the southeast Alaska Dungeness crab fishery for a continuous period of up to four years without complying with AS 16.43.225(a) - (c). While the moratorium is in effect, the commission shall
(1) conduct the investigation required under AS 16.43.225(d);
(2) establish by regulation the qualifications for an interim-use permit for the fishery, including minimum requirements for past or present participation and harvest in the fishery; and
(3) issue interim-use permits for the fishery to applicants who satisfy the qualifications established under (2) of this subsection and who establish the present ability and intent to participate actively in the fishery.
(b) Notwithstanding AS 16.43.225, for the purposes of this chapter
(1) an interim-use permit issued under this section shall be treated as an interim-use permit issued under AS 16.43.225;
(2) a moratorium established under this section shall be treated as a moratorium established under AS 16.43.225.