NMFS Issues Final Rule for Vessel Monitoring System in Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has implemented a new rule requiring vessels fishing in the open access groundfish fishery off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California to use a vessel monitoring system (VMS) transceiver and provide declaration reports, in an effort to improve monitoring of compliance with closed areas and protect essential fish habitats.