Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Pelagic Longline Monitoring Areas; Electronic Monitoring Vendor Certification

Zusammenfassung

NMFS is in the process of establishing two monitoring areas off the east coast of the United States within areas that are currently closed to pelagic longline fishing. Once effective, pelagic longline fishermen could fish in the monitoring areas, subject to, among other things, enhanced electronic monitoring (EM). In this notice, NMFS requests applications from EM vendors interested in providing EM services to any pelagic longline vessel that fishes in the newly established pelagic longline monitoring areas. EM vendors that are interested in being certified must submit a completed application to be considered. Once received, NMFS will review the application for completeness and possible approval and certification. Once certified, these EM vendors will be eligible to work directly with vessel owners to meet relevant monitoring area requirements. Additionally, certified vendors are required to submit quarterly reports to NMFS regarding vessel activities in the monitoring areas.