NMFS Issues Final Rule to Amend Vessel Monitoring System Regulations

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to modify the regulations for the Atlantic Sea Scallop and Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plans. The rule change allows vessels to turn off their Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units if they are out of the water for more than 72 consecutive hours, provided the vessel owner obtains a letter of exemption.