As the recreational fishing season gets going, we are reminding all GARFO permitted vessel operators about the current reporting requirements:
- For-hire (party and charter) vessels that hold federal permits for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council must submit their Vessel Trip Reports (VTR) electronically.
- Vessels issued only a Northeast multispecies (groundfish) charter/party permit may report on paper or electronic VTRs, until later this fall when e-VTRs will be required. You are encouraged to start reporting electronically as soon as possible.
Tilefish anglers on private vessels must submit their VTRs electronically for trips targeting or catching golden and blueline tilefish.
All fishermen can choose from several smart devices and web-based apps to report electronically. For more information and technical support, go to the Vessel Trip Reporting web page at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/resources-fishing/vessel-trip-reporting-greater-atlantic-region?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. You can also contact your local Port Agent.
