Charter/party vessel permit

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

January 16, 2009
Dear Federal Fisheries Vessel Permit Applicant:
Enclosed is an Initial Federal Northeast Region (NER) Fishing Vessel Permit Application and
Instructions for the 2009 permit year. This package contains answers to some of the frequently
asked questions about completing your application.
Important
Please read and follow the application instructions carefully. Failure to provide all required
information and additional documentation on or with the application will result in the
application being returned to you for completion and or correction. This may significantly delay
the issuance of your permit.
Application requirements
The following documents are enclosed in this package to assist you in completing your application
and to help you understand important measures you must comply with as a permit holder:
™ Initial vessel permit application.
™ Detailed application instructions, which include a list of permit categories.
™ Fishing Vessel Trip Report (FVTR) Guidelines (if applicable).
™ Gillnet Form (if applicable).
™ Atlantic Sea Scallop Ownership Form (if applicable).
™ Summary of Control Dates for Northeast Region Fisheries.
This letter and the enclosures only summarize your legal requirements. For a complete
understanding of your obligations, you should consult the Code of Federal Regulations.
This information can be found at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs/.
Gillnet Form
If applying for a NE multispecies permit with the intention of fishing under a NE multispecies daysat-sea (DAS) with gillnet gear, you must complete sections 1 and 3 of the Gillnet form. If you wish
to order gillnet tags for either the NE multispecies or monkfish gillnet fishery at this time, you must
also submit a completed Gillnet Form.
Sale of Your Catch Requirements
All vessels issued a Federal NER fishing vessel permit are required to sell their catch of federally
managed species only to seafood dealers with a valid Federal NER dealer permit for that species.
Federally permitted vessels with NER permits cannot sell their catch of federally managed species to
dealers that do not have valid Federal NER dealer permits.
Reporting Requirements
The owner or operator of a fishing vessel who has been issued a Federal NER fishing permit has
reporting requirements for all fishing trips taken, regardless of species targeted or waters fished.
Except as noted below, all vessels issued NER fishing permits have Vessel Trip Reporting (VTR)

Initial Application

requirements. The two exceptions to this requirement exist for surf clam and ocean quahog vessels
who are required to report on clam log reports and for vessels that have only been issued an
American lobster permit which have no Federal reporting requirements.
Lobster Permit Holders
If you possess a limited access Federal American lobster permit and intend to fish with lobster traps,
you must declare into at least one lobster conservation management area (LCMA) and indicate traps
(gear code 800) as a gear type on your Federal permit application. Note: A vessel owner has 45
days from the first effective date of his/her permit within a permit year to make a change to the
American Lobster permit category.
Tuna Permit Holders
Atlantic tunas vessel permits are issued through a separate permitting system, which can be
accessed by phone at (888) 872-8862 or via the Internet at www.nmfspermits.com.
Renew or Lose
All limited access permits for which your vessel is qualified must be renewed each fishing year. If
you do not renew the vessel’s limited access permit(s) in any fishing year, your vessel will no longer
be eligible for the permit(s) in subsequent years.
Letters of Authorization for Atlantic herring and Atlantic sea scallops
Last year the NER implemented new limited access permit programs for Atlantic herring and Atlantic
sea scallops. Letters of Authorization (LOAs) issued to vessels with pending appeals remain valid for
the new permit year. LOAs become invalid after notification of final decision on the appeal.
Questions?
Call the Permit Office of the Northeast Region at (978) 281-9370 extension 6438.
Sincerely,

Ted Hawes
Team Leader
Northeast Permit Office

Northeast Region Federal Fisheries Initial Permit Application
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
PERMIT OFFICE
55 Great Republic Drive
GLOUCESTER, MA 01930-2276
Tel: (978) 281-9370

Section 1 - Vessel/Owner Information
Is this application for a vessel permit transfer?
Yes ✔ No
If Yes, complete the vessel replacement portion of the Vessel Replacement, Upgrade, and Confirmation of Permit History Application.
Enter information in the spaces provided. All items must be completed.

Vessel Name:

Owner Name:

Mailing Address:
City:

State:

Zip:

Owner Telephone:

CG Documentation or State Registration Number:
Home Port:

Principal Port:

Previously permitted Vessel Permit #

_____________(if applicable)
Section 2 - Vessel Information

Enter information in the spaces provided. All applicable items must be completed.

Vessel Length:________________________

Dredge Size: _______________________________

Overall length in feet.

Dredge size in feet.

Crew Size: ___________________________

Number of Dredges: _________________________

Average number or crew, including the captain.

Total number of dredges aboard the vessel.

Gross Tonnage: _______________________

Pump Horsepower: __________________________

As recorded on US Coast Guard Documentation.

This item applies to surf clam/ocean quahog vesssels only.

Year Built: ____________________________

Construction: Please check

✔

the number that applies to your vessel.

The year the vessel was built.

1 = Wood

Main Engine HP: _______________________
The vessel engine horsepower.

2 = Fiberglass

Propulsion: Please check
1 = Gasoline

✔

3 = Steel

4 = Other

the number that applies to your vessel.

2 = Diesel

3 = Other

Fish Hold Capacity: __________________

Number of Charter/Party Passengers:____________

Measured to the nearest 100 pounds.

Number of passengers the vessel is licensed to carry.
(See Section 4D of instructions for additional documents required)

Signature required on back of form

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires 11/30/2009

Section 3 – Fishery Information
Gear Codes

120 – Purse Seine

210 – Beach Seine

220 – Boat Seines

310 – Bottom Trawl

320 – Midwater Trawl

330 – Other Trawl

410 – Dredge

700 – Gill/Entangling Nets

800 – Pots & Traps

911 – Hand Lines

912 – Rod & Reel

913 – Tub Trawl

1010 – Harpoons

920 – Longlines / Setlines

1400 – Diving Gear

1200 – Other Gears

Circle the number or letter of the fishery category for which you are applying. Clearly print the associated gear code(s) from the
list above. Refer to the instructions for allowable gear code(s) per category.
If you select a fishery category and gear code combination(s) for which your vessel is not eligible, the processing of
your permit may be delayed. See instructions for further details or call Northeast Permit Operations at (978) 281-9370.
Open Access
Limited Access Categories
Categories
Qualified Vessels Only
Fisheries
Gear Code(s)
Atlantic Sea Scallop

2

3

4

Atlantic Sea Scallop – General

A

B

C

A

C

A

B

Northeast Multispecies

HB

Monkfish

E

Surf Clam/Ocean Quahog

1

I*

J

K

5

6

7

D

E

F HA

C

D

F G

8

9

H

6

410 – Dredge only

Maine Mahogany Quahog

7

410 – Dredge only

Summer Flounder

2*

1

Scup

2*

1

Black Sea Bass

2*

1

Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish

2*

Spiny Dogfish

1

Atlantic Bluefish

1

Atlantic Herring

D

A

B

C

Tilefish

D

A

B

C

Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab

A

B

C

Skate

1

American Lobster – Non Trap

1

2*

American Lobster - Trap

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 AOC

3

4

1

5

2*

800 – Pots and Traps only

* Charter/Party permit categories
Section 5 – Application Checklist & Signature

Please
review
_____ All vessels: copy of current (not expired) US Coast Guard (CG) Documentation or State Registration.
checklist
_____ Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships: signed and dated list of current owners/officers/partners and their addresses.
_____ Limited access Sea Scallop permit holders: Sea Scallop Vessel Ownership Form with each vessel application.
_____ Charter/Party permit holders: CG Documentation must state “coastwise” or include a copy of a valid Captain’s license.
Your application will be returned if it does not contain the proper documents listed above and it is not signed and dated

Î Please include the applicable forms below with your signed and dated application

I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the vessel named in Section 1. I affirm,
subject to the penalties provided in 18 USC 1001, that all the information that I have given in obtaining this permit is true
and correct.
Print Name: ______________________________ Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining data needed, and completing and reviewing the information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or suggestions for reducing this burden to: National Marine Fisheries Service, Permit Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2276. The Paperwork
Reduction Act requires that potential respondents for a fishing vessel permit be notified of certain information regarding their rights and the burden associated
with applying for Federal fisheries permits. One of the regulatory steps taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service to carry out its conservation and
management objectives is the requirement of a permit for users of the resources. All the fisheries included on this application require a permit to fish for or retain
specifically recognizes the need for permit issuance. The purpose and use of these permits are to (1) register industry participants and fishing vessels, (2) list
the characteristics of fishing vessels, (3) exercise influence over compliance, (4) provide a mailing list for the dissemination of important information to the
industry, (5) register participants to be considered to limited entry, and (6) provide a universe for data collection samples. Both the MSFCMA and Executive
Orders 12866 et al, require the determination of this information. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall
any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Any information submitted by any person to obtain a permit is not confidential, and may
be disclosed upon request.
Revised 11/07/2008 OMB# 0648-0202 Expires 11/30/2009

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Northeast Regional Office / Fisheries Statistics Office

Review checklist for your application

Please review the list below to ensure that your application
contains all of the proper documentation.
Failure to include this information with your application will
result in processing delays or a possible return of your
application.
Include with your signed and dated application:
1. A copy of your valid Coast Guard Documentation or a copy of your
valid State registration. Expired registrations will not be accepted.
2. If your vessel is owned by a Corporation, include a copy of your
current Annual Report with the names and addresses of its
shareholders. If you do not have an Annual Report, include, on
letterhead, a list of the names and addresses of its shareholders.
Be sure to sign and date it.
3. If your vessel is part of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), include a
valid and dated copy of the LLC/Partnership Papers.
4. To be eligible for a Federal party/charter permit you must include a
copy of your Captain’s License or a copy of your Coast Guard
Documentation with a Coast-wise endorsement.
5. If applying for a limited access sea scallop permit (Categories 2 - 9), all
owners of the vessel must attach a completed NMFS scallop ownership
form listing all vessels in which they personally have ownership interests
that also have limited access permits in the Atlantic Sea Scallop
fishery. If applying for a limited access general category - Individual
Fishing Quota (IFQ), you must attach a completed NMFS IFQ scallop
vessel ownership form.

This page left intentionally blank for the purposes of duplex printing

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Northeast Regional Office/Fisheries Statistics Office
Initial Vessel Application
Instructions for Northeast Federal Fishing Vessel Permits

Mail the completed application package to: National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Permit
Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2276. Walk-in application processing service
is not available. There is a 30-day processing period for all application packages. This 30-day
processing period begins when a correct and complete application package is received in the
Northeast Region Permit Office. Questions? Please refer to the NMFS Northeast Region Web Page at
www.nero.noaa.gov/permits for applications, instructions, fisheries regulations, and other important
information, or call 978-281-9370 or e-mail [email protected].

™ Section 1: Vessel and Owner Information
Enter information in the spaces provided. All items must be completed.
Vessel Name: Current name of vessel, or enter “unnamed” if not applicable.
Owner Name: Include name exactly as it appears on the vessel ownership documentation (US
Coast Guard Documentation, State Registration, or Title of Vessel Ownership). If the vessel is
owned by a corporation, submit a current copy of the Articles or Incorporation or Organization
verifying corporate status. If the vessel is owned by a partnership, submit a current copy of the
Partnership agreement. See Section 5A for additional documents required.
Address and Telephone Number: Include 4-digit addition to zip code (if known) and area code
for phone number.
U.S. Coast Guard Documentation or State Registration Number: You must include a copy of
a valid US Coast Guard document or State registration for your vessel in your application package.
(See Section 5C for additional documents required.)
Home Port: City and State where vessel is moored.
Principal Port: City and State where the majority of your landings occur.

™ Section 2: Additional Vessel Information
Enter information in spaces provided. All applicable items must be completed.
Vessel length: Overall length in feet.
Crew Size: Average number of crew, including the captain.
Gross Tonnage: As recorded on US Coast Guard Documentation.
Year Built: The year the vessel was built.
Main Engine HP: The vessel engine horsepower.
Fish Hold Capacity: Measured to the nearest 100 pounds.
Dredge Size: Dredge size in feet.
Number of Dredges: Total number of dredges aboard the vessel.
Pump Horsepower: This item applies to surf clam/ocean quahog vessels only.
Construction: 1=Wood, 2=Fiberglass, 3=Steel, 4=Other. (Circle applicable number)
Propulsion: 1=Gasoline, 2=Diesel, 3=Other. (Circle applicable number)
Number of Passengers for Charter or Party: Number of passengers the vessel is licensed to
carry. (See Section 5D for additional documents required.)
In Sections 1 and 2 of the initial vessel application, fill in all items.

™ Section 3: Fishery Information

Except as noted for limited access fisheries, circle a fishery category and enter the applicable gear
codes in the spaces provided. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations for further restrictions –
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/ro/doc/the648.htm
Revised 01/22/2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 1 of 10

Category:
For each fishery you want to apply for, select the category that best describes your
fishing operations, and circle the category numbers or letters in the column marked “Category”. A
description of Northeast fisheries permits and categories is contained in this document on pages 3 – 9.
Gear Code: For each fishery permit and category you select, you must write in the applicable gear
codes from the Gear Code table below. Write the gear code numbers in the column marked "Gear
Code". For certain permit categories, you are restricted on the gear type you can use. For this
information, see the description of each fishery below. Where applicable, you may select more than
one gear code for a category. If no gear code is selected, the application cannot be
processed and will be returned to you.

Gear codes and explanations for section 3 of application
Gear Type
Purse Seines
Beach Seines
Boat Seines
Bottom Trawls
Mid-water Trawls

Code
120
210
220
310
320

Gear Type
Other Trawls
Dredge
Gill/Entangling Nets
Pots and Traps
Hand Lines

Code
330
410
700
800
911

Gear Type
Rod and Reel
Tub Trawl
Longlines or Setlines
Harpoons
Other Gears
Diving Gear

Code
912
913
920
1010
1200
1400

™ Section 4: Owner’s Signature

Please sign and date the form. Unsigned, or otherwise incomplete applications, will be returned.
Your signature is an affirmation that, under penalty of perjury, all the information provided in order
to obtain this permit is true and correct. Submitting false information in connection with an
application could subject you to criminal/civil penalties or permit sanctions [18 U.S.C. 1001].

™ Section 5: Additional Documents Required

5A - Certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement or annual reports
If the vessel is owned by a corporation, LLC, or a partnership, the following information must be
submitted with the application form:
• A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation must be submitted once. Each year, documents
showing current corporate status and all officers and shareholders owning 25% or more of the
shares in the corporation must be submitted.
• The list of corporate officers and shareholders must include their addresses (examples of
acceptable documentation include Minutes from the Corporation Annual Meeting listing the
names and addresses of the officers and stockholders, or a signed and dated letter from a
Corporate Officer listing the names and addresses of current officers and stockholders).
• Partnerships must submit a copy of the partnership agreement each year which includes the
names and current addresses of all partners.
5B - Scallop Vessels Owned
Limited Access – Categories 2 through 9 and Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ): All owners of
a vessel issued a category 2 – 9 or IFQ scallop permit must attach a completed NMFS scallop
ownership form listing all limited access category 2 – 9 or IFQ vessels in which they personally have
an ownership interest.
5C - USCG Documentation/State Registration
A copy of the vessel’s valid US Coast Guard Documentation, or, if undocumented, a copy of the
vessel’s current State Registration must be submitted. A vessel’s permit application will not be
accepted if the vessel registration or documentation has expired before NMFS receives it.
5D - Charter/Party Permit
If you are applying for a charter/party permit, submit a copy of one of the following documents:
• Valid state license showing the vessel is authorized to carry charter/party passengers.
• Valid US Coast Guard Documentation showing vessel is documented for “Coastwise” trade.
• Valid US Coast Guard license to operate or navigate passenger-carrying vessels.
5E – Limited access NE Multispecies and Monkfish Gillnet vessels:
Applicants who intend to fish under a NE multispecies DAS with gillnet gear must submit a Gillnet
Form and complete sections 1 and 3. If you wish to order gillnet tags for either the NE multispecies
or monkfish gillnet fisheries, you must also submit a Gillnet Form.
Revised 01/22/2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 2 of 10

Description Northeast Fisheries Permits
Description of Northeast Fisheries Permits – Categories Are Shaded

™ Atlantic Sea Scallop
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have previously
held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. All permits issued will be valid for the entire
fishing year. A vessel owner has 45 days from the first effective date of the permit within a permit year
to make a change to the limited access Sea Scallop permit category. If you are applying for a limited
access scallop permit, you must attach a completed NMFS scallop ownership form (see section 5B for
details). Further restrictions may apply, refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
2*
3*
4
5*

Full-Time: This category includes all gear types except bottom trawl.
Part-Time: This category includes all gear types except bottom trawl.
Occasional: This category includes all gear types except bottom trawl.
Full-Time Small Dredge: Category 3 (Part-Time) vessel may elect this category for the
entire year if the vessel uses one dredge no larger than 10.5 ft. and with no more than five
people on board. This category is limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.

Part-Time Small Dredge: Category 4 (Occasional) vessel may elect this category for the
entire year if the vessel uses 1 dredge no larger than 10.5 ft. and with no more than five
people on board. This category is limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.
7*
Full-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
8*
Part-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
9
Occasional: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl
nets (gear code 310) only.
* A VMS is required to be installed and in continuous operation onboard the vessel.
6*

Limited Access General Category (LAGC) Scallop permit categories: These permits may only be
issued to qualified vessels or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply,
refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations. Owners of vessels issued an NOGM or Incidental scallop
permit shall have one opportunity each fishing year to request a change in its permit category by
submitting an application within 45 days of the effective date of the vessel's permit. After that date, the
vessel must remain in that permit category for the duration of the fishing year. If you are applying for
an IFQ scallop permit, you must attach a completed NMFS scallop ownership form.
A** General Category – Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ permit)
B** General Category – Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM permit)
General Category – Incidental Catch (Incidental permit)
C**
** A VMS is required to be installed and activated and 1.) transmitting a positional signal, or
2.) a power down activity declaration was sent, if authorized, or 3.) the vessel has an
authorized letter of exemption issued from NMFS.
VMS purchase information:
Boatracs
Skymate
Telephone: 858-458-8100
Telephone: 866-759-6283
Fax: 858-458-8116
Fax: 703-814-8585

Revised 01/22/2009

Thrane & Thrane
Telephone: 757-463-9557
Fax: 757-463-9581

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 3 of 10

™ Northeast Multispecies
“Regulated” species (NE multispecies requiring regulated mesh): cod, haddock, yellowtail flounder,
pollock, redfish (ocean perch), winter flounder (blackback), American plaice (dab), witch flounder
(grey sole), windowpane flounder (sand dab) and white hake
Other NE multispecies: silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), offshore hake, ocean pout, and Atlantic
halibut.
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. All permits issued will be valid
for the entire fishing year. A vessel owner has 45 days from the first effective date of his/her permit
within a permit year to make a change to the NE multispecies permit category. Further restrictions
may apply to specific categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
A* Day-at-Sea (DAS): This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Small Vessel Exemption (less than or equal to 30 feet): This category includes all gear
C
types except dredge gear.
Hook Gear: (Vessels in this category may not change category) This category is limited to
D* handlines (gear code 911), rod and reel (gear code 912), tub trawl (gear code 913) and
longlines (gear code 920) gear only.
Combination Vessels: (Vessels in this category may not change category) This category
E*
includes all gear types except a dredge.
Large Mesh Individual DAS: Category A (Individual DAS) or E (Combination) vessels may
elect this category for the entire year provided the vessels meet the following requirements.
Category A DAS for vessels fishing under this permit category will be increased by 36%.
These vessels must fish with either gillnets or trawl nets having a minimum of 8.5-inch
F*
square or diamond mesh when fishing in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, or Southern New
England Regulated Mesh Areas, and 7.5-inch diamond or 8.0-inch square mesh when fishing
in the Mid-Atlantic Regulated Mesh Area. This category is limited to gear types/codes 120,
210, 220, 310, 320, 330 and 700 only.
Handgear A: (Vessels in this category may not change category) The vessel may possess
and land up to 300 lb cod, one Atlantic halibut, and daily possession limit restrictions allowed
HA
for the remaining regulated species. This category is limited to rod and reel (gear code
912), handline (gear code 911) or tub trawl (gear code 913) gear only.
* An operational VMS is required to be on board the vessel to fish for groundfish under a NE
multispecies DAS.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Handgear B: The vessel may possess and land up to 75 lb cod, one Atlantic halibut, and
daily possession limit restrictions allowed for the remaining regulated species. This
HB
category includes rod and reel (gear code 912), handline (gear code 911) or tub trawl
(gear code 913) gear only.
Charter/Party: The vessel may possess and land multispecies in the EEZ when carrying
I
passengers for hire (See Section 5D for additional information). This category is limited
to rod and reel (gear code 912) and handline (gear code 911) gear only.
Scallop Multispecies Possession Limit: The vessel may possess and land up to 300 lb
of regulated species while fishing under a scallop DAS. Vessel must have a Limited
J
Access Scallop Permit (Categories 2 – 9) to qualify for this category. This
category includes all gear types.
Open Access Multispecies: The vessel may fish for silver hake (whiting), red hake
K
(ling), offshore hake, ocean pout, or Atlantic halibut when participating in an exempted
fishing program. This category includes all gear types.
• See page 3 for a list of NE Fisheries gear types and their codes.

Revised 01/22/2009

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Page 4 of 10

™ Monkfish
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply
to specific categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Vessels may elect this category that were issued permits in this category in the previous
fishing year and that do not possess a limited access multispecies (with the exception of
A
a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit. This category includes all gear
types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category that were issued permits in this category in the previous
fishing year and that do not possess a limited access multispecies (with the exception of
B
a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit, and that are less than 51 Gross
Registered Tons (GRT) and do not qualify for a Category A permit. This category
includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category that were issued permits in this category in the previous
C
fishing year and also possess a limited access multispecies permit or a limited access
scallop permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category that were issued permits in this category in the previous
fishing year and that also possess a limited access multispecies permit or a limited
D
access scallop permit, and are less than 51 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) and do not
qualify for a Category C permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge
gear.
Offshore Fishery Program: Vessels may elect this category if they were issued
permits in monkfish limited access permit categories A, B, C, or D in the previous fishing
year. Vessels electing this category must have an operational Vessel Monitoring System
F*
(VMS) installed on the vessel, and are restricted to fishing under a monkfish DAS during
the specified season of October 1 – April 30 each year and within the Offshore Fishery
Program area. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
* Operational VMS required
Limited Access Permit Categories for Vessels Fishing South of 38°20’ N. Lat. – Vessels
issued a limited access Category G or H permit are restricted to fishing under a monkfish DAS in the
area south of 38°20’ N. lat.
Vessels may elect this category if they were issued permits in this category in the previous
G
fishing year. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they were issued permits in this category in the previous
H fishing year and that did not qualify for a category G permit. This category includes all gear
types.
Open Access Permit Categories: This permit may be issued to any vessel not issued a monkfish
limited access permit—to fish for, possess, or land monkfish. Further restrictions may apply to this
category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Catch: Allows a vessel to possess and land a limited amount of monkfish,
E depending on fishing year, area fished, and gear fished. For specific limit amounts, contact
the Sustainable Fisheries Division at 978-281-9315. This category includes all gear types.
Area Declaration: Please note that vessels without an operational VMS unit fishing exclusively in
the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) for monkfish must request a Southern Fishery
Management Area (SFMA) Exemption Certificate in order to be exempt from the more restrictive
management measures of the SFMA. Contact the Permit Office at 978-281-9370. Vessels with an
operational VMS unit must declare the appropriate code to indicate they intend to fish exclusively in
the NFMA.

Revised 01/22/2009

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Page 5 of 10

™ Surfclam/Ocean Quahog
Surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, and starting January 1, 2009, Maine mahogany quahog vessels,
are required to have an operational vessel monitoring system (VMS) on board their vessel. For open
access surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, VMS installation and operation must be verified prior to
issuance of the permit. Maine mahogany quahog permitted vessels will not be required to install a
VMS unit until they fish for, land, take, possess, or transfer ocean quahogs under a limited access
Maine mahogany quahog permit. For more information on VMS requirements call 978-281-9315.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fishery Regulations.
1*
Surfclam: The vessel may fish for surfclams. This category is limited to dredge
(gear code 410) gear only. VMS required.
Ocean Quahog: The vessel may fish for ocean quahogs. This category is limited to
6*
dredge (gear code 410) gear only. VMS required.
To possess and land surfclams or ocean quahogs from the EEZ, an allocation of quota is required.
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Maine Mahogany Quahog: The vessel may harvest and land ocean quahogs without
7*
an allocation from the EEZ in the area north of 43° 50´N. latitude. This category is
limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.
* Operational VMS required.

™ Summer Flounder (Fluke)
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
1 Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries
Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess summer flounder in the EEZ while carrying
2 passengers for hire (See Section 5D for additional information). This category includes
all gear types.

™ Scup (Porgy)
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
1 Scup Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess scup in the EEZ while carrying passengers for
2
hire (See Section 5D for additional information). This category includes all gear types.

Revised 01/22/2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 6 of 10

™ Black Sea Bass
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
1 Black Sea Bass Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess black sea bass in the EEZ north of 35º 15.3´ N.
2 latitude while carrying passengers for hire (See Section 5 D for additional information). This
category includes all gear types.

™ Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
specific categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
1 Loligo/Butterfish Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
5 Illex Squid Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish Charter/Party: May fish for or possess Loligo or Illex
2 squid, mackerel or butterfish in the EEZ while carrying passengers for hire (See Section 5 D
for additional information). This category includes all gear types.
Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 2,500 lb
3 of Loligo squid or butterfish and 10,000 lb of Illex squid per trip. This category includes all
gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel: May commercially fish for Atlantic mackerel in the EEZ. This category
4
includes all gear types.
Note: Atlantic mackerel at-sea processing vessels must apply for a permit as a
dealer/processor.

™ Spiny Dogfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
General: May commercially fish for, possess, or land spiny dogfish caught in or from the
1
EEZ. This category includes all gear types.

™ Atlantic Bluefish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Commercial: May possess or harvest Atlantic bluefish from the EEZ in excess of the daily
1
possession limit. This category includes all gear types.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess Atlantic bluefish from the EEZ while carrying
2 passengers for hire (See Section 5D for additional information). This category includes all
gear types.

Revised 01/22/2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 7 of 10

™ Atlantic Herring
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to qualified vessels or to
approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
All Areas: Authorizes the harvest of herring in any management area, without being subject to
A* possession limits during the time when the total allowable catch (TAC) in the defined
management area has not been reached. This category includes all gear types.
Areas 2/3: Authorizes the harvest of herring only in Areas 2 or 3, without being subject to
B* possession limits during the time when the TAC in the defined management area has not been
reached. This category includes all gear types.
Incidental Catch: Authorizes the harvest of up to 55,000 lb herring in any management area
C* during the time when the TAC in the defined management area has not been met, with a limit of
one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.
* All vessels applying for and issued a limited access herring permit, with the exception of
fixed gear (weirs and stop seines) fishermen, must install and maintain an operable VMS
unit, and comply with all VMS notification and reporting requirements. Such vessels may
power down the VMS unit when in port, but must re-power the VMS unit and enter an
appropriate trip designation prior to leaving port.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access: Authorizes the harvest of up to 6,600 lb of herring in any management area
D during the time when the TAC in these management areas has not been met, with a limit of one
landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.

™ Tilefish
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
specific categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Full-time Tier 1: May elect this category if issued permits in this category in the previous fishing
A
year. This category includes all gear types.
Full-time Tier 2: May elect this category if issued permits in this category in the previous fishing
B
year. This category includes all gear types.
Part-time: May elect this category if issued permits in this category in the previous fishing year.
C
This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: This permit may be issued to any vessel not issued a tilefish limited
access permit—to fish for, possess, or land tilefish in or from the EEZ. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Catch: A vessel may possess or land tilefish in or from the EEZ up to 300 lb per trip.
D
This category includes all gear types.

™ Skate
Northeast Skate Complex (Skate) - The following species of skates comprise the NE skate complex
and are included under the Federal skate permit: Winter skate; barndoor skate; thorny skate; smooth
skate; little skate; clearnose skate; and rosette skate.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to Northeast
Fisheries Regulations.
1 General: May commercially fish for, possess, or land skate caught in or from the EEZ. This
category includes all gear types.
Revised 01/22/2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 8 of 10

™ Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have previously
held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to this category.
Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Vessels in this category are subject to a baseline trip limit of 75,000 lb. This category is limited
B
to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
Vessels in this category demonstrated a qualifying trip with landings greater than 75,000 lb and
C qualified for a trip limit equal to the larger trip, rounded to the nearest 5,000 lb. This category is
limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
Open Access Permit Categories: This permit may be issued to any vessel not issued a red crab
limited access permit—to fish for, possess, or land red crab in or from the EEZ.
May possess or land red crab in or from the EEZ up to 500 lb per trip. This category includes all
A
gear types.

™ American Lobster
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have previously
held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. If eligible, you may select more than one category.
Note, if you designate more than one category, you will be subject to the most restrictive management
measures, including trap allocations of all of the categories selected. A vessel owner has 45 days from the
first effective date of his/her permit within a permit year to make a change to the American Lobster permit
category. Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Commercial Non-Trap: May harvest lobster in the EEZ. This category includes all gear types
1
except pots and traps. If you plan to fish with non-trap gear only, you are not required to elect
trap gear areas.
Charter/Party Non-Trap: May harvest lobster in the EEZ while carrying passengers for hire.
2
This category includes all gear types except pots and traps. (See Section 5D for additional
information)
Commercial Trap Gear Area 1: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 1.
A1
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 2: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 2.
A2
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Includes Area 2/3
overlap.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 3: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 3.
A3*
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area. Includes Area 2/3 overlap.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 4: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 4.
A4
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 5: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 5.
A5
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 6: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 6.
A6
Vessel owner must possess a valid CT or NY state lobster license to be eligible for this category.
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
Commercial Trap Gear Outer Cape Area: May harvest in Outer Cape Federal Lobster
AOC
Management Area. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
* Area 3 Trap Reductions: If you elect to fish with traps in Area 3, please note that this fishing
year’s trap reduction will take effect on July 1, 2009. Permit holders should keep in mind that
their trap allocation may change on July 1 if the Area 3 allocation is, or becomes the most
restrictive (lowest) of all designated LCMAs on the permit. Permit holders are advised to
consider this when ordering trap tags.
Revised 01/22/2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 9 of 10

---

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 45 minutes
per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining data needed, and completing & reviewing the information. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or suggestions for reducing this burden to:
National Marine Fisheries Service, Permit Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA
01930. The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that potential respondents for a fishing
vessel permit be notified of certain information regarding their rights and the burden
associated with applying for Federal fisheries permits.
One of the regulatory steps taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service to carry out its
conservation and management objectives is the requirement of a permit for users of the
resources. All the fisheries included on this application require a permit to fish for or retain
these species in or from the EEZ. Section 303 (b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) specifically recognizes the need for permit
issuance. The purpose and use of these permits are to: (1) register industry participants
and fishing vessels, (2) list the characteristics of fishing vessels, (3) exercise influence over
compliance, (4) provide a mailing list for the dissemination of important information to the
industry, (5) register participants to be considered for limited access, and (6) provide a
universe for data collection samples. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no
person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to
comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. Any information submitted by any person to obtain a permit is not confidential,
and may be disclosed upon request.
OMB# 0648-0202

Revised 01/22/2009

Expires: November 30, 2009

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: November 30, 2009

Page 10 of 10

National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Regional Office / Fisheries Statistics Office

Initial Application for a Northeast
Commercial Vessel Operator Permit
Please complete all sections of this application. Incomplete applications will
be returned and will be not be processed. Submission of all application information
is required. Application information is not confidential and may be released to the
public. You must sign and date this application in Section 2 on back.
Return completed applications to:

Permits Operations
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
Telephone: (978) 281-9370 Ext. 6437
Section 1
Last Name__________________ First Name______________________ MI_________
Mailing Address_______________________________________________________
City / ST / Zip Code___________________/_____/____________________________
Phone Number______-______-_______ Date of Birth____/_____/_____ (MO/DAY/YR)
Eye Color________________ Hair Color___________________
Weight (lbs)_____________ Height (ft/in)______/_________

Please enclose ONE color passport sized photo of yourself, which is
recent (taken no more than 1 year prior to the date of this
application).
SAMPLE

Recommended
Picture Size

1½“high

1 ¼ inches wide
X
1 ½ inches high
1 ¼ “ wide

You must sign and date this application in Section 2 on back.
Revised11/07/2008

OMB# 0648-0202 Expires 11/30/2009

United States Coast Guard Requirements
Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable
waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Great Lakes trade,
or coastwise trade, unless exempt under 46 CFR § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of
Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which
engaged [46 CFR § 67.7]. The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the
U.S. coastline. Only a citizen of the United States may serve as master, chief engineer,
radio officer, or officer in charge of a deck watch or engineering watch on a United
States documented fishing vessel [46 USC 8103 (a)].
Section 2
I affirm that all information I have given on this application is true and correct. Making
a false statement on this application is punishable by law [18 USC 1001]. I
understand that violations of Federal fisheries laws and regulations may subject me to
criminal and civil penalties including fine and/or revocation of license. Further, as a
condition of this operator's permit, I agree that if this permit is suspended or revoked
pursuant to 15 CFR part 904, I will not be on board a Federally permitted fishing vessel
in any capacity while the vessel is at sea or engaged in offloading.
I also understand, in obtaining this operator's permit, that I must comply with current
law, which includes a requirement that I be a U.S. citizen to serve as master or officer
in charge of a deck watch on a U.S. documented fishing vessel fishing (see USCG
regulations above).

Signature of Applicant

Date

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining data needed, and completing and reviewing the information. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or suggestions for reducing this burden to: NMFS, 55 Great Republic
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2276. The purpose and use of these permits are to (1) register
industry participants and fishing vessels, (2) exercise influence over compliance, (3) provide a
mailing list for the dissemination of important information to the industry, (4) register participants
to be considered for limited entry, and (5) provide a universe for data collection samples. Both
the MSFCMA and Executive Orders 12866 et al, require the determination of this information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a
currently valid OMB Control Number.
Any information submitted by any person to obtain a permit is not confidential, and may be
disclosed upon request.
Revised 11/07/2008

OMB# 0648-0202

Expires 11/30/2009

Summary of Control Dates for Northeast Fisheries
This fact sheet informs permit applicants that there may be future management action taken by the
New England Fishery Management Council, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, or the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to establish eligibility criteria for determining future
fishing access to the fisheries identified below. In each of these cases, the Council or Commission
with management authority for the fishery requested the National Marine Fisheries Service to publish
a date, after which vessels may not be eligible to participate in the fishery. This date is known as a
“control date”. This fact sheet informs you that these control dates may potentially be used to
determine future entry to the fishery.
THIS INFORMATION IS ADVISORY ONLY. It is intended to inform you only that these control dates
have been established and may potentially be used to determine future entry to the fishery. It also
provides you with notice that you may wish to locate and preserve records to substantiate and verify
fishery participation, for use in the event a limited access program is established in the future.
Establishing a control date does not commit the Councils, Commission, or the National Marine
Fisheries Service to develop any particular management system or criteria for participation in these
fisheries. The Councils or Commission may choose a different control date, or may choose to
establish a management program that does not make use of such a date.
For further information, please contact the appropriate fishery management council or commission:
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC)
On the web: www.nefmc.org
Telephone: 978-465-0492
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC)
On the web: www.asmfc.org
Telephone: 202-289-6400

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC)
On the web: www.mafmc.org
Telephone: 302-674-2331

Summary revised January 2009

Species

Control
Date

Council

Ocean pout

9-9-96

NEFMC

No action currently underway

Bluefish

5-29-97

MAFMC

No action currently underway

Spiny Dogfish

5-18-98

MAFMC lead
(joint plan with
NEFMC)

No action currently underway

Capacity Control
Multispecies, Scallop, Monk
fish DAS

9-10-99

NEFMC

Black Sea Bass

6-5-01

MAFMC

Atlantic Mackerel

7-5-02

MAFMC

Hagfish

8-28-02

NEFMC

Whiting/red hake/offshore
hake

3-25-03

NEFMC

Loligo & Illex squid

5-20-03

MAFMC

Multispecies Party & Charter
vessels

3-30-06

NEFMC

American Lobster

9-1-99
1-2-09

ASMFC

Current status of management action

No action currently underway
Would have established different classes of permits
for the fishery; considered in Amendment 13 but
not adopted by Council
Amendment 11 to the Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish
FMP is under development and may establish
limited access for mackerel fishery
No action currently underway
Amendment 14 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP is
under development and may establish some form of
limited access for the whiting (small-mesh
multispecies) fishery.
No action currently underway (would be used to
establish different classes of permits).
No action currently underway
Management action is currently under development
and may establish some form of limited access to
fish with traps in Lobster Management Areas 1, 2,
and the Outer Cape.

This page left intentionally blank for the purposes of duplex printing

National Marine Fisheries Service
(NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE)

Vessel Trip Reporting (VTRs)
This guide provides a list of commonly asked questions regarding vessel trip reports (VTRs). This document
is intended as a guide only and its content is subject to change. For more comprehensive information please
refer to the regulations at 50 CFR part 648. Please visit the NOAA Fisheries Service Northeast Regional Office
(NERO) online at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/fso/ and click on “Vessel Trip Report Information” for additional
details.

Questions &Answers
Who is required to submit VTRs?
Reporting regulations [50 CFR 648.7] require that the owner or operator of any vessel issued a Federal
fishing permit for any of the species listed in the Table 1 below submit an accurate and timely VTR for
each trip, regardless of area fished, targeted species or permit used. In other words, an owner or
operator of a Federally permitted vessel possessing any of the permits listed below must submit a VTR
for each and every trip taken regardless of where they fish or what they catch.

Table 1 - Northeast Region Federal Permits requiring mandatory reporting
Northeast multispecies
Atlantic sea scallop
Monkfish
Atlantic mackerel, squid,
and butterfish

black sea bass
Atlantic bluefish
Atlantic herring
Northeast skate

Tilefish
Atlantic red crab
spiny dogfish
summer flounder

scup
surf clam
ocean quahog

If my vessel wasn’t fishing, how do I report?
If a vessel does not fish for an entire calendar month, a “Did Not Fish” report is required. A separate
report is required for each such month.
If I fish in state waters, do I have to submit a trip report?
Yes. If you have possess a Federal permit for any specie listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew
a limited access permit, you then have VTR reporting requirements regardless of what license, permit or
waters you fish.
I was fishing on my “state license”. Do I have to submit a trip report?
Yes. If you have possess a Federal permit for any specie listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew
a limited access permit, you then have VTR reporting requirements regardless of what license, permit or
waters you were fishing.
I possess only a Federal lobster permit. What are my reporting requirements?
You have no VTR reporting requirements to NMFS. Please check with your State to determine if you
have State reporting requirements.
Page 1 of 2

I possess a Federal lobster permit along with another Federal permit that is listed in the table above
however I never use that permit. What are my reporting requirements?
Because you possess another Federal permit in addition to your Federal lobster permit, you must report
all of your fishing activity including all your lobster trips.
Do I have to report if I take my boat out for recreational purposes?
No. You only need to report commercial, party, or charter trips. A trip would not be considered
recreational if you sold any of your catch or accepted compensation from passengers.
I hold several federal permits. Do I have to complete more than one VTR per trip?
In most cases a single report can be used to fulfill all of your reporting requirements.
If I change gear type, gear size, or area fished during a trip, how do I report the trip?
Complete a separate report page for any change in gear type, gear size or chart area.
What do I need to provide to my dealer when I offload my catch?
Vessels must supply the VTR serial number to all Federal dealers purchasing the catch. In the instance
where a vessel has completed more than one VTR for a trip (see question above) then the serial number
from the first VTR completed should be supplied to the dealer(s). The VTR form provides two (2)
additional pages intended to be given to the dealers from the vessel.
Who can I sell my catch to?
Federally permitted vessels are only allowed to sell their catch of Federally managed species to
Federally permitted dealers or to take a portion of that catch home for their own consumption. Species
that are not regulated by NMFS may be sold elsewhere and in that case, no VTR serial number needs to
be supplied.
What if I do not land any fish on a trip?
If no species are landed, complete all of the trip information and enter No Catch in the species code
name column (#17).
My supply of VTRs is getting low. How do I get more?
VTRs can be obtained by mailing the pink renewal form contained in each logbook package to the
NMFS address below. You may also obtain VTRs by contacting the NMFS Vessel Trip Reporting
office, either in person, or by telephone at (978) 281-9157 or by contacting your local NMFS Field
Office.
SUBMISSION OF REPORTS:
VTRs must be received or postmarked by the 15th of the following month from which the trip landed
(e.g., trips landing in June are due by July 15). Submit the white original to:
NMFS
Vessel Trip Reporting Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
If you have any questions regarding the VTRs, please call NMFS at (978) 281-9246.
Page 2 of 2