Commercial fishing vessels with permits from NMFS’ Northeast regional office will be required to submit trip reports electronically beginning Nov. 10. The agency is calling for all delinquent paper trip reports to be mailed as soon as possible for processing before the deadline.
Vessel operators will be required to keep an electronic device on board during trips and use it to submit reports within 48 hours of ending the trip. The requirement also applies to vessels with New England Fishery Management Council for-hire permits, but it does not apply to vessels holding only an American lobster permit, according to NMFS.
An agency webpage has information on the new eVTR requirements.
Working with partners and software companies, the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office developed applications that meet eVTR reporting requirements, with software apps for virtually smart phones, tablets and computers. A listing is maintained on the GARFO Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting Software Options web page along with instructions on how to use the apps and links to partner apps.
NMFS port agents in offices from Maine through Virginia are available to provide remote and in-person eVTR app assistance to individuals or small groups throughout the region.
Port agents can be contacted directly, or through the Vessel Reporting Help Desk at (978) 281-9188 or by email to [email protected]. Contact information for Port Agents and their areas of coverage can be found online here.
