NMFS Implements Vessel Monitoring System in Western Pacific Pelagic Longline Fishery

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule requiring vessels in the Western Pacific pelagic longline fishery around Hawaii to use an electronic vessel monitoring system (VMS) to monitor their location and prevent fishing in closed areas, as part of an experimental 3-year program to evaluate the effectiveness of VMS technology.