LOA request form

Letter of Authorization
(LOA) Request Form

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service / Northeast Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 282-8441, Fax: (978) 281-9161

Owner:

Permit Number:

F/V:

Hull Number:

To request an LOA(s), please enter the owner and vessel information requested above, and a valid start date and
end date in the appropriate box(es) below. Please see the reverse side of this form for each LOA’s enrollment
season and minimum enrollment duration. Please note: A vessel must hold a valid permit in the fishery(s) for
which an LOA(s) is requested. Remember to sign and date this form in the spaces provided below. For
additional information on the LOAs listed, please see the back of this form, call the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at 978-281-9315, or visit http://www.nero.noaa.gov/sfd/. This form may be photocopied. Mail or
fax completed forms to the address above.

 The 2012 Permit Year runs from May 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013
I am requesting an LOA(s) for the 2012 permit year.
LOA

Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Requested Start Date

Requested End Date

April 30

October 31

October 15

Enrollment Duration

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring such trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System.
**VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring System instead of
requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be issued this LOA.

Applicant’s Signature: I, the owner or authorized agent of the vessel named above, affirm subject to the
penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information I have given in obtaining this Letter of
Authorization(s) is true and correct.
Print Name: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________

Date: _______________

Revised January 2012

LOA Descriptions
Following is a description of each LOA that must be obtained from the Northeast Region Permit
Office. A vessel issued a valid LOA(s) must carry the LOA(s) on board at all times while enrolled in
the LOA program. A vessel owner/operator may participate in an LOA program for a period no less
than its minimum enrollment duration. The effective date of each LOA can be no earlier than one day
after the date issued. Unless the participation period specified on an LOA is longer than its minimum
enrollment duration and the owner/operator wishes to withdraw from an LOA program prior to its
stated end date, an LOA automatically expires at the end of a vessel’s participation period. To
withdraw from an LOA program (where applicable) after its minimum enrollment duration but prior to
its stated end date, an owner/operator must contact the Northeast Region Permit Office or Port Agent
to obtain a withdrawal certificate. The effective date of each withdrawal certificate can be no earlier
than one day after the date issued. A vessel is not considered officially withdrawn from an LOA
program until the owner/operator receives a withdrawal certificate. LOA enrollments and withdrawals
may be requested by mail, by phone, or by fax.
The participation period for each LOA may not exceed the permit year for that fishery. Vessel owners/operators
must apply each year to be issued an LOA for a given year.
LOA
Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Enrollment Season
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 15 - October 31
September 1 - December 31
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
September 1 - October 31
May 1 - April 30

Enrollment Duration
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days

November 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 1 - October 15
May 1 - April 30

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
System.
** VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring
System instead of requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be
issued this LOA.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 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. OMB NO. 0648-0202 Expires 4/30/2013

Letters of Authorization Information Sheet
January 1, 2012
This is a description of the Letters of Authorization (LOA) that are currently available from the Northeast
Region Permit Office. For further information about these LOAs, please contact the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) Sustainable Fisheries Division at (978) 281-9315. To request one of these
LOAs, contact the Permit Office at (978) 282-8438.
The following is only a summary of the regulations and requirements for each LOA program under the
respective Fishery Management Plan (FMP). These requirements and the list of current LOAs are subject
to change. Please contact the Sustainable Fisheries Division at (978) 281-9315 if you have any questions
about any regulatory requirements or changes to an LOA program.
To participate in the exempted fishery program, vessels are required to carry the LOA on board for the
entire participation period specified on the LOA.

ATLANTIC HERRING FMP
Herring Carrier
This LOA authorizes a vessel issued a valid Federal herring
permit to receive, transport, and transfer Atlantic herring
(herring) caught by another herring vessel. There is no
possession limit for vessels operating under this authorization.
When operating under this LOA, the vessel:
May only possess, transfer, or land herring
transferred from vessels with a transfer at sea LOA.
The catcher vessel may not transfer more than their
possession limit allows
May only possess or land Northeast (NE)
multispecies transferred by vessels issued either an
All Areas Limited Access Herring Permit (Category
A) and/or an Areas 2 and 3 Limited Access Herring
Permit (Category B) regardless of gear or area fished,
or a vessel issued a Limited Access Incidental Catch
Herring Permit and/or an Open Access Herring
Permit that fished with midwater trawl gear in
Herring Management Areas 1A, 1B, or 3 consistent
with the vessels possession limits. Those possession
limits are unlimited for haddock and 100 lb,
combined, of other regulated Northeast multispecies
(Atlantic cod, witch flounder, American plaice,
yellowtail flounder, pollock, winter flounder,
windowpane flounder, redfish, white hake, Atlantic
halibut, and Atlantic wolffish);
May not conduct fishing activities or possess any
fishing gear on board the vessel; and
Must act as a herring carrier vessel for the duration of
the participation period specified in the LOA
(currently 7 days minimum).
The owner/operator of the vessel should report ‘zero
catch’ and the VTR serial number of the vessel that
caught the herring on its Fishing Vessel Trip Report
(VTR).

Gulf of Maine (GOM)/Georges Bank (GB)
Midwater Trawl
This LOA authorizes a vessel to fish with midwater
trawl gear in the GOM/GB Regulated Mesh Area
(RMA), including Closed Area I, Closed Area II, the
Nantucket Lightship Closed Area, and other areas
closed for NE multispecies conservation under 50
CFR 648.81, with nets of less than the minimum
mesh size specified in the NE multispecies
regulations at 50 CFR 648.80(a)(3)(ii).
Midwater trawl gear is defined as trawl gear designed
to fish for pelagic species, no portion of which is
designed to be or is operated in contact with the
bottom at any time. The gear may not include discs,
bobbins, or rollers on its footrope, or chafing gear as
part of the net. No other gear capable of catching
multispecies may be on board the vessel.
When fishing north of 42°20' N. Latitude, the vessel
may not fish for, possess, or land any other species of
fish except for, blueback herring, or Atlantic
mackerel. When fishing south of 42°20' N. Latitude,
the vessel may not fish for, possess, or land any other
species of fish except for, blueback herring, Atlantic
mackerel, or squid. Appropriate Federal permits are
required to retain Atlantic mackerel or squid.

GOM/GB Purse Seine
This LOA authorizes a vessel to fish with purse seine
gear in the GOM/GB RMA with nets of less than the
minimum size specified at 50 CFR 648.80(a)(3)(ii).
A purse seine is defined as an encircling net with
floats on the top edge, weights and a purse line on the
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bottom edge, and associated gear, or any net designed to be, or
capable of being used in such fashion.

LOA and the vessel receiving the transfer does not
have gear capable of catching fish on board.

No other gear capable of catching multispecies may be on
board the vessel. The vessel may not fish for, possess, or land
any other species of fish except for Atlantic mackerel,
blueback herring, or menhaden. Appropriate Federal permits
are required to retain Atlantic mackerel.

When transferring Atlantic herring at sea, the
owner/operator of the above named vessel must
report on its Fishing Vessel Trip Report (VTR) and
via the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) or
Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) consistent
with the guidance provided on pages 11-14 in the
attached September 28, 2011, Atlantic Herring
Permit Holder Letter.

The Mid-water trawl and Purse Seine LOAs have the
following additional requirements:
If the vessel has a Category A or B permit, fishing on a
declared herring trip with midwater trawl gear, or a Category
C and/or D permit fishing with midwater trawl gear in
Management Areas 1A, 1B, and/or 3, it must provide notice to
NMFS of the vessel name, contact information, and the date,
time, and port of departure, at least 72 hr prior to beginning
any trip into these areas, for the purposes of coordinating
observer deployment, and must notify NMFS Office of Law
Enforcement through their vessel monitoring system (VMS) of
the time and place of offloading at least 6-hours prior to
crossing the VMS demarcation line on its return trip to port,
or, if it has not fished seaward of the VMS demarcation line,
at least 6-hours prior to landing.
The minimum enrollment period for these LOAs is 7 calendar
days from the first day of the enrollment period.
Vessels issued an All Areas Limited Access Herring Permit or
an Areas 2 and 3 Limited Access Herring Permit fishing on a
declared herring trip, regardless of gear or area fished, or a
vessel issued a Limited Access Incidental Catch Herring
Permit and/or an Open Access Herring Permit and fishing with
midwater trawl gear, may possess and land haddock or other
regulated NE multispecies (Atlantic cod, witch flounder,
American plaice, yellowtail flounder, pollock, winter flounder,
windowpane flounder, redfish, white hake, Atlantic halibut,
and Atlantic wolffish) consistent with the bycatch caps and
catch allowances (which are specified in §648.86(a)(3)).
Haddock or other regulated NE multispecies may not be sold,
purchased, received, traded, bartered, or transferred for human
consumption.

Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
This LOA authorizes a vessel issued a valid Federal herring
permit to transfer or receive herring at sea to/from another
herring vessel, a herring at-sea processor, and/or herring
carrier vessel. No vessel may transfer to, or receive from, any
vessel, herring in excess of the possession limits specified in §
648.204.
In addition, the operator of a vessel that is not issued a herring
permit may purchase and/or receive herring at sea for personal
use as bait, provided the vessel transferring the herring has this

MONKFISH FMP
Monkfish Southern Fishery Management
Area (SFMA) Landing Limit Exemption
A current limited access monkfish permit holder may
fish exclusively under the less restrictive landing
regulations for the Northern Fishery Management
Area (NFMA) through this exemption. A vessel
without an operational VMS unit fishing exclusively
in the NFMA for monkfish must request this LOA in
order to be exempt from the more restrictive
management measures of the SFMA. This LOA can
be issued anytime during the fishing year (from May
1 through April 30). The minimum enrollment
period for this LOA is 7 calendar days from the first
day of the enrollment period. A vessel that has
declared into the NFMA may transit the SFMA,
providing that it complies with the transiting and gear
storage provision described § 648.94(e), and
provided that it does not fish for or catch monkfish,
or any other fish, in the SFMA.

NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FMP
GOM Cod Landing Limit Exemption
A NE multispecies day at sea (DAS) permit holder,
authorized to use the Interactive Voice Response
(IVR) system to declare NE multispecies DAS, and
fishing exclusively south of the GOM RMA, may
receive an LOA that exempts the vessel from the
more restrictive GOM cod landing limit. If the vessel
declares through VMS, the GOM Cod Trip Limit
Exemption form should be sent, via VMS, prior to
leaving the dock for each trip, instead of using this
LOA. A vessel declared into the U.S./Canada
Management Area is exempt from the requirement to
declare exemption from the GOM cod landing limit.
The vessel must meet the following requirements
under this LOA:
The vessel must have a NE multispecies DAS
permit and be authorized to us the IVR system
2

for declaring into the NE multispecies DAS program.
The LOA has a minimum 7-day participation period.
The vessel may not fish in the GOM RMA under a NE
multispecies DAS for the during the participation period.
The vessel may transit the GOM RMA while under a NE
multispecies DAS, provided all fishing gear is stowed and
not available for immediate use.

Cultivator Shoals Whiting Fishery (June 1-October
31)
A vessel must be issued a NE multispecies limited access
(Category A-F) or open access (Category K) permit to
participate in this exempted fishery. A participating vessel is
limited to 30,000 lb of silver hake (whiting) and offshore hake
combined per trip. Incidental catch allowed may consist of
herring, longhorn sculpin, squid, butterfish, Atlantic mackerel,
spiny dogfish, red hake, monkfish and monkfish parts (up to
10 percent, by weight, of all other species on board or up to 50
lb tail-weight/146 lb whole-weight of monkfish per trip,
whichever is less), and American lobster (up to 10 percent by
weight, of all other species on board or 200 lobsters,
whichever is less, unless otherwise restricted by landing limits
specified in § 697.17).

following allowable incidental species: Red hake,
butterfish, spiny dogfish, Atlantic herring, Atlantic
mackerel, scup, and squid. The vessel must adhere to
the applicable small-mesh multispecies possession
limits while fishing in the exemption area.

Codend Mesh Size
Less than 2.5 in
Greater than 2.5 in
but less than 3.0 in
Equal to or greater
than 3.0 in

Possession Limit
(whiting and offshore
hake combined)
3,500 lb
7,500 lb
30,000 lb

The exemption program does not apply to the Cashes
Ledge Closure Areas or the Western GOM Closed
Area. A vessel participating in the Raised Footrope
Trawl Whiting Fishery may participate in other
small-mesh exemption areas, provided the vessel
adheres to the more restrictive gear, possession limit,
and other requirements for the entire participation
period specified on the vessel’s LOA.

There is a minimum mesh size requirement of 3-inch square or
diamond mesh to participate in this exemption fishery. A
vessel participating in both this exemption and the raised
footrope trawl whiting fishery is subject to the more restrictive
measures of the two programs (e.g., the use of a minimum 3inch square or diamond mesh and the use of the raised
footrope trawl). More information, including the coordinates
of this Area, is available in the NE Multispecies Small Mesh
Fishery Exemptions Information Sheet available online at:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov.

Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery (September
1–December 31)
A holder of a Federal NE multispecies permit may elect to
receive, from the Regional Administrator, an exemption from
NE multispecies minimum mesh size restrictions when fishing
for whiting or offshore hake in the Raised Footrope Trawl
Whiting Fishery Exemption Area (Figure 1). Regulations for
the Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery may be
found at § 648.80(a)(15). A vessel participating in this
exemption program must comply with the following
requirements:
A minimum enrollment period of 7 days;
A minimum mesh size of 2.5-inch square or diamond
mesh; and
Use of a raised footrope trawl.

Figure 1. Raised Footrope Trawl Whiting
Fishery Exemption Area

Nantucket Lightship Closed Area
Charter/Party
In order to be exempted from the Nantucket
Lightship Closed Area (CA), a charter/party vessel
must have an LOA issued by the NE Regional
Administrator. Regulated NE multispecies harvested
or possessed by the vessel may not be sold or
intended for trade, barter, or sale, regardless of where
the fish are caught; and the vessel may have no gear
other than rod and reel or handline gear on board. A
participating vessel issued this authorization is
subject to its requirements and conditions for a
minimum of 7 days from the letter’s start date.

An enrolled vessel may not fish for, possess, or land any
species other than whiting and offshore hake, except for the
3

NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP CA CHARTER/PARTY LOA
DECISION TREE
1. Do you have a current limited access NE multispecies permit or open
access NE multispecies charter/party permit?
Answer: YES

LOA does not apply

NO
Continue to #3

LOA does not apply

2. Will you possess aboard, or use, fishing gear other than rod and reel or
handline gear?

LOA does not apply

Answer: YES

NO

Continue to #2

Answer: YES

2. Will you possess aboard, or use, fishing gear other than rod and
reel or handline gear?

Answer: YES

NO
Continue to #3

3. Do you plan to sell, barter or trade any Regulated NE multispecies?
Answer: YES
LOA does not apply

NO
Continue to #4

4. Are you aware that the vessel cannot commercially fish outside the
Nantucket Lightship CA for the entire participation period for Regulated NE
multispecies? Do you agree to these terms?
Answer: YES

NO

Nantucket Lightship Closed Area
Charter/Party LOA needed

3. Do you plan to sell, barter or trade any Regulated NE
multispecies?

LOA does not apply

LOA does not apply

NO
Continue to #4

4. For any NE multispecies vessel, do you intend to use a NE
multispecies days-at-sea, fish on a sector trip, or fish under the
provisions of a Handgear A, Handgear B or Small Vessel
(Category C) permit during the period of participation specified as
part of the specific LOA?
Answer: YES
LOA does not apply

NO
Western GOM and Cashes
Ledge CA LOA needed
5. Are you aware that the vessel cannot commercially fish
outside the exemption area for the entire participation period for
Regulated NE multispecies? Do you agree to these terms?
Answer: YES
Western GOM and Cashes Ledge
CA charter/party LOA needed

NO
LOA does not apply

Western GOM and Cashes Ledge CA Charter/Party

GOM Rolling CA Charter/Party

In order to be exempted from the Western GOM and Cashes
Ledge CA, a charter/party vessel must have an LOA issued by
the NE Regional Administrator. Regulated NE multispecies
harvested or possessed by the vessel may not be sold or
intended for trade, barter, or sale, regardless of where the fish
are caught; and the vessel may have no gear other than rod and
reel or handline gear on board. The vessel may not use a NE
multispecies DAS, fish on a sector trip, or fish under the
provisions of a Handgear A, Handgear B, or Small Vessel
(Category C) permit during the entire period for which the
LOA is valid. A participating vessel issued this authorization
is subject to its requirements and conditions from the letter’s
start date through the end of the fishing year (i.e. there is no
withdrawal certificate associated with this LOA).

In order to be exempted from the GOM Rolling CA
for charter/party fishing, a charter/party vessel must
have an LOA issued by the Regional Administrator.
Regulated NE multispecies harvested or possessed by
the vessel may not be sold or intended for trade,
barter, or sale, regardless of where the fish are
caught; and the vessel may have no gear other than
rod and reel or handline gear on board. The vessel
may not use a NE multispecies DAS, fish on a sector
trip, or fish under the provisions of a Handgear A,
Handgear B, or Small Vessel (Category C) permit
during the entire period for which the LOA is valid.
A participating vessel issued this authorization is
subject to its requirements and conditions from the
letter’s start date for a minimum of 90 days.

WESTERN GOM AND CASHES LEDGE CA
CHARTER/PARTY LOA DECISION TREE
1. Do you have a current limited access NE multispecies permit or open
access NE multispecies charter/party permit?
Answer: YES
Continue to #2

NO
LOA does not apply

GOM ROLLING CA CHARTER/PARTY
EXEMPTION
1. Do you have a current limited access NE multispecies permit
or open access NE multispecies charter/party permit?
Answer: YES
Continue to #2

NO
LOA does not apply

4

2. Will you possess aboard, or use, fishing gear other than rod and reel or
handline gear?
Answer: YES
LOA does not apply

NO
Continue to #3

3. Do you plan to sell, barter or trade any Regulated NE multispecies?
Answer: YES
LOA does not apply

NO

LOA does not apply

Answer: YES

NO

LOA does not apply

NO

Continue to #4

4 . Do you have either the Cultivator Shoals Whiting Fishery
LOA, the Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery LOA, or the Raised
Footrope Trawl Whiting Fishery LOA?
Answer: YES

Continue to #4

4. For any NE multispecies vessel, do you intend to use a NE multispecies
days-at-sea, fish on a sector trip, or fish under the provisions of a Handgear A,
Handgear B or Small Vessel (Category C) permit during the period of
participation specified as part of the specific LOA?
Answer: YES

3. Will you be fishing exclusively in state waters?

NO

This exemption is
permitted with these LOAs.

Continue to #5

5. Will you be fishing outside of the GOM RMA and the GB
RMA?
Answer: YES

NO

Transit Exemption LOA needed

LOA does not apply

GOM Rolling CA LOA needed

5. Are you aware that the vessel cannot commercially fish outside the
exemption area for the entire participation period for Regulated NE
multispecies? Do you agree to these terms?
Answer: YES

NO

GOM Rolling CA LOA needed

LOA does not apply

Transit Exemptions for GOM/GB RMAs
A vessel subject to the minimum mesh size restrictions may
transit through the GOM and GB RMAs with nets on board
with a mesh size smaller than the minimum mesh size
specified and with small mesh exempted species on board.
This exemption program requires the following:
All nets with a mesh size smaller than the minimum
mesh size are stowed.
A vessel may not fish for, possess on board, or land
any fish, except when fishing in specified areas.

Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas (RGAs)
Amendment 16 to the Multispecies FMP
implemented two groundfish RGAs to reduce the
catch of flatfish species in Southern New England
(SNE) and GB (Figure 2). Any common pool vessel
that is fishing any part of a trip in one or both of the
RGAs must comply with the requirements listed
below. A vessel fishing both inside and outside of
these areas on the same trip is subject to the most
restrictive regulations among the areas fished.

TRANSIT EXEMPTION FOR GOM/GB RMAS DECISION
TREE
1. Do you have any of the following onboard; trawl gear with less than 6
inch diamond mesh or 6.5 inch square mesh or a gillnet with less than 6.5 inch
mesh?
Answer: YES
Continue to #2

NO
LOA does not apply

2. Will you be in possession of any small mesh exempt species?
Answer: YES
Continue to #3

NO
LOA does not apply

Figure 2. Groundfish RGAs

Declaration Requirements: A common pool vessel
fishing in one or both of the groundfish RGAs must
declare its intent to fish in these areas via VMS prior
to leaving port on a trip under a groundfish DAS.
Alternatively, the NE Regional Administrator may
issue a vessel an LOA to fish in these RGAs for a
minimum participation period of 7 consecutive days.
Gear Requirements: A common pool vessel fishing
any part of a trip in one or both of the groundfish
RGAs may only use one or more of the gear types
listed below on that trip – no other type of fishing
5

gear may be on board the vessel when fishing in one or both of
these RGAs.
• Trawl gear: A vessel using trawl gear in the groundfish
RGAs may only use a haddock separator trawl or a Ruhle
trawl, as currently defined in the regulations, or a rope
separator trawl
• Gillnet gear: A vessel using gillnet gear in the groundfish
RGAs may fish with roundfish (stand-up) gillnets or flatfish
(tie-down) gillnets, provided the mesh size of the tie-down
gillnet gear is greater than or equal to 10 inches throughout the
entire net. Day gillnet vessels must still comply with the
existing restrictions on the number of nets for the area fished.
• Hook gear: A vessel using hook gear in the groundfish
RGAs may only use longline gear, tub trawls, or handgear.
Trip Limits: A common pool vessel fishing in the groundfish
RGAs under a groundfish DAS is restricted to 500 lb of all
flatfish species combined, unless subject to a more restrictive
multispecies possession restriction. Vessels may not possess
any SNE/MA winter flounder; 500 lb of monkfish (whole
weight), unless also subject to more restrictive monkfish
possession restrictions; 500 lb of skates (whole weight); and
zero possession of lobsters for the entire trip. A vessel fishing
under both a groundfish and a monkfish DAS using gillnet
gear is not subject to the 500-lb possession limit (whole
weight) for monkfish, but rather the applicable monkfish
possession limit specified in the monkfish FMP.
Transiting: A common pool vessel that has not declared its
intent to fish in the groundfish RGAs may transit these areas if
gear other than allowable gear is properly stowed.

SNE Little Tunny Gillnet Exempted Fishery
A vessel holding this LOA may fish with gillnet gear in the
SNE Little Tunny Gillnet Exemption Area (Figure 3) when
not operating under a NE multispecies DAS with mesh size
smaller than the minimum required in the SNE RMA. All
gillnets must have a minimum mesh size of 5.5-inch (14.0-cm)
diamond mesh throughout the net. All nets with a mesh size
smaller than 5.5 inches diamond mesh must be stowed and
unavailable for immediate use. Fishing is confined to
September 1 through October 31. The NE Regional
Administrator shall conduct periodic sea sampling to evaluate
the likelihood of gear interactions with protected resources.
The vessel may fish only for, possess on board, or land little
tunny, as well as bonito, as an allowable incidental species.
Vessels fishing under this LOA may also retain:
Butterfish, spiny dogfish (trawl), Atlantic herring,
Atlantic mackerel, ocean pout, scup, shrimp, squid,
summer flounder, weakfish, conger eels, searobins,
black sea bass, tautog (blackfish), blowfish, cunner,
John Dory, mullet, bluefish, tilefish, longhorn
sculpin, fourspot flounder, alewife, hickory shad,
American shad, blueback herring, sea ravens,
Atlantic croaker, spot, swordfish.

Monkfish and monkfish parts up to 10
percent by weight of all other species on
board, or 50 lb tail-weight (146 lb whole
weight), whichever is less.
American lobster up to 10 percent by weight
of all other species on board, up to 100
lobsters for trips of 24 hours or less, or 200
lobsters for trips longer than 24 hours,
whichever is less.
Skate and skate parts up to 10 percent, by
weight, of all other species on board

Figure 3. Southern New England Little
Tunny Exemption Area

Authorization to Transfer Whiting and Red
Hake at Sea
A vessel issued a Federal NE multispecies permit
may transfer from one vessel to another, for use as
bait, up to 500 lb of whiting and unlimited amounts
of red hake, per trip, provided:
The transferring vessel possesses a Federal
NE multispecies permit;
The receiving vessel possesses a written
receipt for any small-mesh multispecies
purchased at sea.
The combined whiting and offshore hake possession
limit is automatically reduced by 500 lb for every trip
made by the vessel during the participation period,
regardless of whether a transfer of small-mesh
multispecies at sea occurred or whether the actual
amount that was transferred was less than 500 lb.
A separate authorization must be obtained to transfer
Atlantic herring, Illex squid, longfin squid, or
butterfish.

6

Multispecies Permit Exemption for Vessels Fishing in
the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization
(NAFO) Regulatory Area
A vessel issued a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance permit
under 50 CFR part 300 is exempt from:
NE multispecies and monkfish permit, mesh size,
effort-control, and possession limit restrictions while
transiting the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with
NE multispecies or monkfish on board the vessel;
Landing NE multispecies or monkfish in U.S. ports
that were caught while fishing in the NAFO
Regulatory Area.
The vessel must fish exclusively in the NAFO Regulatory
Area and must also have all gear properly stowed while
transiting the EEZ. The vessel must comply with the High
Seas Fishing Compliance permit, all NAFO conservation and
enforcement measures, and must notify the agency through its
vessel monitoring system (VMS) that it will be embarking on
a NAFO trip.

Figure 4. Summer Flounder Small-Mesh Exemption
Area (area east of the line that follows 72°30.0' W
longitude until it intersects the outer boundary of the
EEZ).

SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK
SEA BASS FMP

A holder of a Federal skate permit may request and
receive, from the NE Regional Administrator, an
exemption from the skate wing possession limit
restrictions to land whole skates for use as bait. A
vessel participating in the skate bait exemption
program must comply with the following
requirements:

Summer Flounder Small-Mesh Exemption Area
(November 1-April 30)
A holder of a Federal summer flounder moratorium permit
may elect to receive, from the NE Regional Administrator, an
exemption from summer flounder minimum mesh size
restrictions when fishing in the Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Exemption Area from November 1 through April 30 (Figure
4). A vessel must be enrolled in the exemption program for a
minimum period of 7 days.
This exemption program does not exempt a vessel from
minimum fish size requirements. A vessel participating in the
exemption program may not fish west of the line that follows
72°30.0’ W longitude, and if transiting the area west or south
of the line, must stow fishing gear in a manner so that it is not
available for immediate use. The Summer Flounder SmallMesh Exemption Area does not exempt the vessel from any
possession limits imposed by any state. If a participating
vessel also possesses a NE multispecies permit, there are
additional small-mesh restrictions in this small mesh exempted
area.
A vessel fishing in the Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Exemption Area may not possess or land more than 200 lb of
summer flounder when fishing with mesh smaller than the
minimum mesh size requirement of 5.5-in diamond or 6.0-in
square from November 1-April 30.

SKATE FMP

The vessel must be enrolled for a minimum
period of 7 days;
The vessel may only possess and land whole
skates less than 23 inches total length, up to
20,000 lb per trip;
The vessel may only fish for, possess, and
land (or transfer at sea) whole skates for use
as bait; and
Vessels that possess or land skate wings
during the LOA participation period must
comply with the applicable possession limit
restrictions for all skates or skate parts on
board. For skate wing fishery possession
limit restrictions, see the Northeast Skate
Fishery Information Sheet at:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs/infodoc
s/NESkateInfoSheet.pdf.
The Skate Bait LOA does not exempt the
participating vessel from any DAS requirements of
the NE multispecies, monkfish, or scallop fisheries.
Therefore, unless a skate bait vessel is fishing in a
skate exemption area or is fishing with exempted
gear (as defined in the NE multispecies regulations),
it must still fish on a NE multispecies, monkfish, or
scallop DAS.
7

SPINY DOGFISH FMP
Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Fishery Exemption
June 1 – October 15
This LOA is required to fish for spiny dogfish in the
Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Exemption Area (Figure 5). A
vessel issued this LOA may use gillnet or trawl mesh smaller
than required by the GOM /GB RMA (6.5 in. square or
diamond trawl codend mesh; 6.5 in. throughout the entire
gillnet) to catch spiny dogfish. Trawl gear is not permitted in
the portion of the exemption area that overlaps with the
Nantucket Lightship Habitat Closure Area (shown in chart
below). When transiting the GOM or GB RMAs any nets
with a mesh size smaller than the RMA minimum mesh size
must be stowed and unavailable for immediate use.

If the vessel has been issued a valid incidental squid
and butterfish permit, it may transfer these species at
sea, consistent with the applicable possession limits,
but may not receive them. Current possession limits
are: 2,500 lb of longfin per trip, 10,000 lb of Illex per
trip, and 600 lb of butterfish per trip, unless the
directed butterfish fishery closes prior to October 1;
then the butterfish possession limit is 250 lb per trip.

GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
In order to use midwater trawl gear to fish for
Atlantic mackerel or squid in the GOM/GB RMAs,
including Closed Area I, Closed Area II, the
Nantucket Lightship Closed Area, and other areas
closed for NE multispecies conservation under 50
CFR 648.81, with nets of less than the minimum
mesh size specified in the NE multispecies
regulations at 50 CFR 648.80(a)(3)(ii), a vessel must
be issued this LOA in addition to the appropriate
Federal fishing permits.
Midwater trawl gear is defined as trawl gear designed
to fish for pelagic species, no portion of which is
designed to be or is operated in contact with the
bottom at any time. The gear may not include discs,
bobbins, or rollers on its footrope, or chafing gear as
part of the net. No other gear capable of catching
multispecies may be on board the vessel.

Figure 5. Nantucket Shoals Dogfish Exemption Area

A vessel issued this LOA may not fish for, possess on board,
or land species other than spiny dogfish, except the following:
Longhorn sculpin; silver hake—up to 200 lb; monkfish and
monkfish parts—up to 10 percent, by weight, of all other
species on board or up to 50 lb tail weight/166 lb wholeweight of monkfish per trip, whichever is less; American
lobster—up to 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on
board or 200 lobsters, whichever is less; skate or skate parts—
up to 10 percent, by weight, of all other species on board
provided the vessel is issued the appropriate Federal permits.

SQUID, MACKEREL, BUTTERFISH FMP
Authorization to Transfer Longfin Squid, Illex Squid,
or Butterfish at Sea
A vessel with a valid longfin squid, Illex squid, and/or
butterfish permit must apply for an LOA to transfer and
receive longfin squid, Illex squid, and/or butterfish at sea.
If the vessel has been issued this LOA and has a valid
longfin/butterfish or Illex moratorium permit, it may both
transfer and receive these species at sea.

When fishing north of 42°20' N. Latitude, the vessel
may not fish for, possess, or land any other species of
fish except for Atlantic herring, blueback herring, or
Atlantic mackerel. When fishing south of 42°20' N.
Latitude, the vessel may not fish for, possess, or land
any other species of fish except for Atlantic herring,
blueback herring, Atlantic mackerel, or squid.

GOM/GB Purse Seine
In order to fish for Atlantic mackerel with purse seine
gear in the GOM/GB RMA with nets of less than the
minimum size specified at 50 CFR 648.80(a)(3)(ii), a
vessel must be issued this LOA in addition to the
appropriate Federal fishing permits.
A purse seine is defined as an encircling net with
floats on the top edge, weights and a purse line on the
bottom edge, and associated gear, or any net designed
to be, or capable of being used in such fashion.
The vessel may not fish for, possess, or land any
other species of fish except for Atlantic mackerel,
Atlantic herring, blueback herring, or menhaden.
Appropriate Federal permits are required for these
8

species, with the exception of blueback herring and menhaden.
The Mid-water trawl and Purse Seine LOAs have the
following additional requirements:
There is a minimum enrollment period of 7 calendar days for
each LOA. The vessel will not be officially withdrawn from
the exemption program until it requests and receives a
Withdrawal Notice issued by NMFS.
A vessel fishing under these authorizations is not allowed to
fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies, unless it has been
issued an All Areas Limited Access Herring Permit (Category
A) and/or an Areas 2 and 3 Limited Access Herring Permit
(Category B) regardless of gear or area fished, or a vessel
issued a Limited Access Incidental Catch Herring Permit
and/or an Open Access Herring Permit that fished with
midwater trawl gear in Herring Management Areas 1A, 1B, or
3 consistent with the vessels possession limits. Those
possession limits are unlimited for haddock and 100 lb,
combined, of other regulated Northeast multispecies (Atlantic
cod, witch flounder, American plaice, yellowtail flounder,
pollock, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, redfish, white
hake, Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish);

9

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Northeast Permit Office (978) 282-8438

Review checklist for the Renewal Vessel Application

 Ensure your application is complete
 Please review the list below
 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:
A copy of your valid Coast Guard Documentation or a copy of your valid State Registration.
Expired registrations will not be accepted.
Include a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing all persons who have an ownership
interest in the vessel.
To be eligible for a Federal party/charter permit you must include a copy of your Captain’s
License or a copy of your U.S. Coast Guard Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement.
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit or a limited access monkfish permit
with the intention of fishing with gillnet gear, you must complete the NMFS Gillnet Form. Call
the Permit Office to obtain this application or go to http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html

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

January 23, 2012
Dear Federal Fisheries Vessel Permit Applicant:
Enclosed is your Federal Northeast Region (NER) Fishing Vessel Permit renewal application and
instructions for the 2012 permit year. Your pre-printed renewal application is partially completed
based on the most recent NER Fishing Vessel Permits issued to your vessel. This package contains
answers to some of the frequently asked questions about completing your application.
For sea scallop and red crab permits, the 2012 permit year is March 1, 2012 – February 28, 2013.
For all other permits, the 2012 permit year is May 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013.
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. You can not fish without a current permit.
Atlantic Mackerel Permit Holders
All vessels that are currently issued mackerel permits will be issued one of the new permits shortly
before March 1, 2012. If we receive your application for a limited access permit by January 31,
2012, there will be time for us to review it and issue you a limited access permit, if the vessel meets
all of the eligibility criteria. Unless your vessel is issued a limited access permit by March 1, 2012,
you will be limited to a 20,000-lb possession limit while your application is being reviewed.
We will continue to review applications that are received after January 31, 2012, and will issue
limited access permits to vessels as we determine they are eligible.
Application requirements
The following documents are enclosed in this package to assist you in completing your application
and to help you understand important measures with which you must comply:
 Pre-printed vessel permit renewal application for 2012;
 Detailed permit application instructions, which include a list of permit categories;
 Vessel Trip Report (VTR) guidelines;
 Gillnet form (if applicable);
 Vessel ownership form; and
 Summary of control dates for NER fisheries;
This letter and the enclosures only summarize the 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/.
Sale of Your Catch Requirements
All vessels issued a Federal NER Fishing Vessel Permit, except those fishing on a party/charter trip,
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 may not
sell their catch of federally managed species to persons or seafood dealers that do not have valid
Federal NER dealer permits.

Reporting Requirements
Except as noted below, the owner or operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued a Federal NER
Fishing Vessel Permit has VTR reporting requirements for all fishing trips taken, regardless of
species targeted or waters fished. The two exceptions to this requirement exist for surfclam and
ocean quahog vessels which are required to report on clam log reports and for vessels that have
only been issued an American lobster permit, which has no Federal reporting requirements. For
more information, please call the Vessel Trip Reporting Office at 978-281-9246.
Federal Vessel Operator Permit
It is the responsibility of the vessel owner to ensure that his/her vessels issued NER permits are
operated by an individual with a valid Federal Vessel Operator Permit. Any individual operating a
vessel that is issued NER Federal Fishing Vessel Permits and fishing in the EEZ is subject to the
vessel operator permit requirements.
The Federal Vessel Operator Permit is a photo ID that is issued by NOAA Fisheries Service. This
permit must be carried by the operator of the vessel. Operator permits are issued for a 3-year
period and renewal applications are mailed 45 days before the expiration of the permit.
To ensure that your operator has a valid operator permit or to obtain an application, please call the
Permit Office at 978-282-8437, or online at www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html.
Reminder: Vessel operators are required to report their operator permit number when completing
their Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs).
Lobster Permit Holders
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 and potentially allow
qualified permit holders to transfer traps in Area 2,3, and Outer Cape. For more information, please
call Sustainable Fisheries at (978) 281-9315.
Tuna Permit Holders
Atlantic tuna 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.
Sincerely,

Ted Hawes, Section Chief
Northeast Permit Office

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Northeast Regional Office / Fisheries Statistics Office

Northeast Federal Fisheries
2012 Vessel Permit Renewal Instructions
Enclosed are the instructions for completing your renewal application for Federal Northeast Region
(NER) fishing permits. These instructions do not contain all of the regulatory provisions that
pertain to each fishery, and are not a substitute for the regulations. A copy of the regulations can
be obtained through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) NERO web site:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov. If you have further questions, please contact the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at (978) 281-9315.
Completing the application: Please use this checklist to help ensure that your application is
correct and complete. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned
to you. To complete your application you must:









Update or correct the information printed on your application, if necessary
Include a current copy (not expired) of the vessel’s State Registration or Coast Guard
documentation
Ensure that your Fishing Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) have been submitted and accepted to be
eligible for permit renewal (contact the Vessel Reporting Office (978) 281-9246 for information)
Submit a Vessel Ownership Form. Identify all officers, partners, and shareholders (see page 3
for additional documents required)
If you are renewing a charter/party permit, submit a copy of valid state charter/party license,
USCG Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement, or copy of a Captain’s license (see page 3
for additional documents required)
Sign and date the application
Submit completed Gillnet Form (if applicable)

Send or return completed applications to:
National Marine Fisheries Service
Attention: Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
When to submit: There is a 30-day processing period for all applications. This 30-day processing
period begins when a complete application package is received in the Northeast Region Permit
Office. If you have any questions regarding the application process, or you would like to submit
your application in person, you may visit our office at the address above from 8–4:30 Mon–Fri.
Please note that we do not provide same-day application processing on applications when you visit
our office. Please refer to the NMFS NER Web Page at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/ for
applications, instructions, fishery regulations, and other important information, or call 978-2828438 or e-mail [email protected].
Who to contact with questions: The answers to many questions can be found in these
instructions. Please contact us at 978-282-8438 if you have further questions. Northeast Fisheries
Regulations, permit data, permit applications, and important announcements are available on our
website at: www.nero.noaa.gov

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 1 of 11

Section 1 - Vessel and Owner Information (all items must be filled in)
Please verify that all owner information is complete and correct. Any new or updated address,
owner, or vessel information must be written on the back of the form in Section 4a. The new
information will replace the corresponding information on the front of the form. If your vessel is
U.S. Coast Guard documented, a change of vessel name must also be reflected on the U.S. Coast
Guard document.

Section 2 - Vessel Information
NMFS defines Home Port and Principal Port as:
Home Port:
City and State where your vessel is moored.
Principal Port: City and State where the majority of your landings occur.
Please make sure the phone number and area code are complete and correct. Cross out any
incorrect information on the front of the form and include the correct information in the space
provided on the back of the form in section 4a.

Section 3 - Fishery Information
Fishery information gives information about the Federal permits that were last issued to your
vessel. Please review the fisheries listed in this section because NMFS will consider that you have
applied for the fisheries indicated in this section unless you indicate, on the form, that they should
be cancelled. See section 4 below on instructions for adding a fishery that your vessel is qualified
for but is not listed in section 3. NMFS reserves the right to make a final determination on a
vessel’s eligibility for any permit.
Cancelling a fishery: To cancel a fishery, put an “X” in the column marked “Cancel” on the front
of the form in section 3. Please note that, except in certain specific cases, once you relinquish
(cancel) a limited access permit, you will lose your right to renew that limited access permit in
subsequent years. When cancelling a limited access permit, the application must be accompanied
by verification, in writing, that the applicant has requested cancellation of a specific Federal
limited access fishing permit(s) and understands that the vessel or any replacement vessel will no
longer be eligible for those limited access permits.

Section 4 – Corrections and Additions
Address Corrections and Fishery Additions/Corrections are to be made in Section 4a and
4b on the back of the form. Space is provided for any changes you want to make to your
Federal fisheries permit. Please cross out information you want to remove, or place an “X” in
the column marked “Cancel” for the permit you want to cancel on the front of the form in section
3.
Fishery Categories and Gears: You may add or change a fishery category or gear code by
entering new information in this section in the spaces provided. Your vessel must be qualified to
apply for limited access fisheries. Contact Northeast Permit Office for further information. For
each fishery category you want to add, circle the category numbers or letters in this column.
Note that limited access permits require that you have met eligibility criteria. Selecting
categories for which your vessel is not eligible may delay the processing of your application. For
each fishery permit and category, you must select the applicable gear codes from the Gear Code
table on page 3 of these instructions. On your application, write the gear code numbers in the
column marked Gear Code(s). Please note that some fishery categories have restrictions on the
type of gear that can be used as noted on pages 4–10. You may select more than one gear
code for a fishery category. If no gear code is selected, the application cannot be
processed and will be returned to you.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 2 of 11

Section 5 – Signature of Owner or Authorized Agent
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].

Additional Documents Required
USCG Documentation/State Registration
With each application, submit a copy of your current (not expired) United States Coast
Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation. If the vessel is not documented, send a copy
of a valid (not expired) state vessel registration for the vessel. Do not send your original.
We cannot accept a bill of sale or an application for renewal of the USCG Certificate of
Documentation. If your vessel's state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also
provide a copy of the vessel's title, or other documentation from the appropriate state
agency that identifies all vessel owners. A permit application will not be accepted if the
vessel registration or documentation has expired before we receive it.
Officer/Owner/Shareholder Information
Attach a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing and identifying all owners and
shareholders. Provide the full name and mailing address of all officers and shareholders in
the corporation/LLC regardless of their percentage ownership in the company/vessel.
Examples of acceptable documentation include minutes from the Corporation Annual
Meeting listing the names and addresses of the officers and shareholders, or a signed and
dated letter from a Corporate Officer listing the names and addresses of current officers and
shareholders.
Charter/Party/Headboat Vessels
If you are applying for a charter/party/headboat permit, submit a valid copy (not expired) of
at least one of the following:
State license showing the vessel is authorized to carry charter/party passengers.
Certificate of Documentation showing vessel is documented for “Coastwise” trade.
USCG license to operate or navigate passenger-carrying vessels.
Gillnet Vessels applying for Limited Access NE Multispecies and Monkfish
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit with the intention of fishing with
gillnet gear, you must complete sections 1 and 3 of the NMFS Gillnet Form. If you wish to
order gillnet tags for either the NE multispecies or monkfish gillnet fishery, you must also
submit a completed NMFS Gillnet Form.

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

Revised: January 19, 2012

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

Code
330
410
700
800
911

OMB# 0648-0202

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

Page 3 of 11

Code
912
913
920
1010
1200
1400

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 . Further restrictions
may apply. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
2*
3*
4

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.

5*

6*
7*
8*
9
*A
the

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.
Full-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
Part-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
Occasional: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl
nets (gear code 310) only.
VMS is required to be installed and in continuous operation onboard the vessel, unless
vessel is issued a VMS ‘Letter of Exemption’ from NMFS to power down the VMS unit.

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 NGOM 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.
A**
B**

LAGC – Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ permit)
LAGC – Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM permit)

LAGC – Incidental Catch (Incidental permit)
C**
** A VMS is required to be installed, activated, and a) transmitting a positional signal, or b)
declared into a scallop power down activity code, or c) issued a VMS ‘Letter of Exemption’
from NMFS to power down the vessel’s VMS unit.
VMS purchase information:
Boatracs
Skymate
Telephone: 858-458-8100
Telephone: 866-759-6283
Fax: 858-458-8116
Fax: 703-814-8585

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

See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 4 of 11

 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), white hake, Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish.
Other NE multispecies:
Silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), offshore hake, and ocean pout.
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 dredge gear.
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 one Atlantic halibut and possession limit restrictions for the remaining regulated
HA
species and ocean pout. 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, on a sector trip, or a Handgear A vessel in the common pool that
intends to fish in more than one broad stock area (BSA) on a single trip.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Handgear B: The vessel may possess and land one Atlantic halibut and other possession
HB restrictions for the remaining regulated species. This 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 page 3, additional documents required). 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 Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 5 of 11

 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 for further information.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
A
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit. This category
includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit, and that are
B
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 if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
C
limited access scallop permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
D
limited access scallop permit, and are less than 51 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 are eligible for
monkfish limited access permit categories A, B, C, or D and have an operational Vessel
Monitoring System (VMS) installed on the vessel. Monkfish permit category A, B, C, and
D vessels may opt into this program for an entire fishing year, which begins on May 1
F* and ends on April 30. The request to opt into the offshore fishery must be completed
within 45 days of the effective date of the monkfish permit. Vessels in this program are
restricted to fishing under a monkfish Days At Sea 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.
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 978-282-8438. Vessels with an
operational VMS unit must declare the appropriate code to indicate they intend to fish exclusively
in the NFMA.
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.
See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 6 of 11

 Surfclam/Ocean Quahog/Maine Mahogany Quahog
Surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, as well as 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 are not 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 Categories: 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 page 3, additional documents required). 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 page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all gear types.

 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.

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 7 of 11

 Black Sea Bass (continued)
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 page 3, additional documents required).
This category includes all gear types.

 Squid, Atlantic 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. Longfin squid was previously

referred to as Loligo squid. Due to a recent change in the scientific name of longfin squid from Loligo
pealeii to Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii, permits will now use the common name “longfin squid” in all
official documents to avoid confusion.
1
5
T1

T2
T3

Longfin squid/Butterfish Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Illex Squid Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 1: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited amounts of
mackerel. This category includes all gear types. Must submit a fish hold volume certification
by December 31, 2012.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 2: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 135,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Must submit a fish hold volume
certification by December 31, 2012.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 3: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 100,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Vessels issued Tier 3 permits will be
limited to no more than 7% of the annual commercial mackerel quota.

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 Longfin or Illex
2 squid, mackerel or butterfish in the EEZ while carrying passengers for hire (See page 3,
additional documents required). This category includes all gear types.
Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 2,500 lb
3 of Longfin squid per trip, 10,000 lb of Illex squid per trip, or 2,500 lb of butterfish per trip.
This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel: May commercially fish for Atlantic mackerel in the EEZ for up to 20,000
4
lb of mackerel. This category includes all gear types.
Note: Atlantic mackerel at-sea processing vessels must apply for a permit as a dealer/processor.

 Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl
Limited Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer
to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl Permit: Allowed only for
1
vessels issued a valid Illex Squid Moratorium permit. Authorizes the limited retention of
incidentally-caught swordfish. This category only includes trawl gear.

 Spiny Dogfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. 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.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 8 of 11

 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 page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all
gear types.
See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

 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 sub-annual catch limit (ACL) 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 sub-ACL 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 sub-ACL in the defined management area has not been reached, 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 sub-ACL in these management areas has not been reached, with a limit
of one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.

 Tilefish
Open Access Permit Categories: A vessel must fish under the authorization of an Individual
Fishing Quota Allocation permit to possess more than the incidental trip limit. Further restrictions may
apply to these categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access Commercial/Incidental: May possess or land tilefish in or from the EEZ, north of
the VA/NC border, up to 500 lb whole weight, or 455 lb head-on and gutted, per trip. In order for
1
any vessel to possess more than 500 lb of tilefish per trip, the vessel must also fish under the
authorization of an IFQ Allocation permit. This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Charter/Party: May fish for or possess tilefish in the EEZ, north of the VA/NC
2 border, while carrying passengers for hire. (See page 3, additional documents required). This
category includes all gear types.

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 9 of 11

 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.
See page 3 for a list of NE Fisheries gear types and their codes

 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.
B This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
C 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 at 50 CFR 697.
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
(See page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all gear types except pots
and traps.
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.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 10 of 11

---

Public reporting burden for the collection of information on the initial vessel application is
estimated to average 45 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. 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 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 pool of participants 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. Owner name, vessel characteristics,
address, phone, and permit information will be released via NMFS Fisheries website. All
other data submitted will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA
Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fishery Statistics.
OMB# 0648-0202

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Expires: 4/30/2013

Page 11 of 11

National Marine Fisheries Service
(NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE)
Vessel Trip Reporting (VTRs)
This guide provides a list of commonly asked questions regarding 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.
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 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.
Northeast Region Federal permits requiring mandatory reporting
Northeast multispecies
black sea bass
tilefish
scup
Atlantic sea scallop

Atlantic bluefish

monkfish

Atlantic herring

Atlantic deep sea red
crab
spiny dogfish

Atlantic mackerel, squid,
and butterfish

Northeast skate

summer flounder

surfclam
ocean quahog

Report Submission Timelines:
All vessels, except those possessing a Northeast Multispecies or Atlantic Herring permit, required
to send VTR’s must submit their VTRs on a monthly basis. VTRs must be received or postmarked
by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the trip occurred.
Any vessel issued a Federal Northeast Multispecies or an Atlantic Herring permit, regardless of
category (limited access, open access or Charter/Party), must submit VTRs on a weekly basis.
VTRs must be submitted by midnight of the Tuesday following the reporting week (Sunday
through Saturday) in which fish were offloaded for any trip, including trips landing other species.
Did Not Fish reports are due in accordance with the above submission schedule.
Submit the white original (NMFS Copy) to:
NMFS
Vessel Trip Reporting Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
If you have any questions regarding VTRs, please call the NMFS Vessel Trip Report Office at (978) 281-9246.

Page 1 of 2

Questions &Answers
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 unless you possess a Federal Northeast Multispecies or an Atlantic Herring Permit.
If I fish in state waters, do I have to submit a trip report?
Yes. If you possess a Federal permit for any species listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew a limited access
permit, you then have VTR 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 possess a Federal permit for any species listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew a limited access
permit, you then have VTR 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.
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 federally permitted dealers purchasing the catch. In the instance
where you have 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 by the vessel representative.
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.

Page 2 of 2

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 participation in 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 participation in 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: 703-842-0740

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

Summary revised January 2012

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)

Amendment 3 is under development and may establish limited access
and/or recreational management measures.

Capacity Control
Scallop
Multispecies,
Monkfish DAS

9-10-99

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Black Sea Bass

6-5-01

MAFMC

Would have established different classes of permits for the fishery;
considered in Amendment 13 but not adopted by Council.

Current status of management action

Atlantic Mackerel

7-5-02

MAFMC

Amendment 11 to the Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish FMP which
implemented a limited access program for the mackerel fishery, has
been finalized and NOAA Fisheries is accepting applications until
February 28, 2013. See the November 18, 2011, permit holder letter
for more information
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/nr/nrdoc/11/11MackLAPermitPHL.pdf

Hagfish

8-28-02

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Whiting/red
hake/offshore
hake

3-25-03

NEFMC

Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP is under
development and may establish some form of limited access for the
whiting (small-mesh multispecies) fishery.

Multispecies
Charter/Party

3-30-06

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

American Lobster

9-1-99
1-2-09

ASMFC

Skates

7-30-09

NEFMC

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 and potentially allow
qualified permit holders to transfer traps in Area 2,3, and Outer
Cape.
No action currently underway.

Letter of Authorization
(LOA) Request Form

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service / Northeast Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 282-8441, Fax: (978) 281-9161

Owner:

Permit Number:

F/V:

Hull Number:

To request an LOA(s), please enter the owner and vessel information requested above, and a valid start date and
end date in the appropriate box(es) below. Please see the reverse side of this form for each LOA’s enrollment
season and minimum enrollment duration. Please note: A vessel must hold a valid permit in the fishery(s) for
which an LOA(s) is requested. Remember to sign and date this form in the spaces provided below. For
additional information on the LOAs listed, please see the back of this form, call the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at 978-281-9315, or visit http://www.nero.noaa.gov/sfd/. This form may be photocopied. Mail or
fax completed forms to the address above.

 The 2012 Permit Year runs from May 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013
I am requesting an LOA(s) for the 2012 permit year.
LOA

Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Requested Start Date

Requested End Date

April 30

October 31

October 15

Enrollment Duration

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring such trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System.
**VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring System instead of
requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be issued this LOA.

Applicant’s Signature: I, the owner or authorized agent of the vessel named above, affirm subject to the
penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information I have given in obtaining this Letter of
Authorization(s) is true and correct.
Print Name: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________

Date: _______________

Revised January 2012

LOA Descriptions
Following is a description of each LOA that must be obtained from the Northeast Region Permit
Office. A vessel issued a valid LOA(s) must carry the LOA(s) on board at all times while enrolled in
the LOA program. A vessel owner/operator may participate in an LOA program for a period no less
than its minimum enrollment duration. The effective date of each LOA can be no earlier than one day
after the date issued. Unless the participation period specified on an LOA is longer than its minimum
enrollment duration and the owner/operator wishes to withdraw from an LOA program prior to its
stated end date, an LOA automatically expires at the end of a vessel’s participation period. To
withdraw from an LOA program (where applicable) after its minimum enrollment duration but prior to
its stated end date, an owner/operator must contact the Northeast Region Permit Office or Port Agent
to obtain a withdrawal certificate. The effective date of each withdrawal certificate can be no earlier
than one day after the date issued. A vessel is not considered officially withdrawn from an LOA
program until the owner/operator receives a withdrawal certificate. LOA enrollments and withdrawals
may be requested by mail, by phone, or by fax.
The participation period for each LOA may not exceed the permit year for that fishery. Vessel owners/operators
must apply each year to be issued an LOA for a given year.
LOA
Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Enrollment Season
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 15 - October 31
September 1 - December 31
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
September 1 - October 31
May 1 - April 30

Enrollment Duration
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days

November 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 1 - October 15
May 1 - April 30

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
System.
** VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring
System instead of requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be
issued this LOA.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 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. OMB NO. 0648-0202 Expires 4/30/2013

Letter of Authorization
(LOA) Request Form

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service / Northeast Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 282-8441, Fax: (978) 281-9161

Owner:

Permit Number:

F/V:

Hull Number:

To request an LOA(s), please enter the owner and vessel information requested above, and a valid start date and
end date in the appropriate box(es) below. Please see the reverse side of this form for each LOA’s enrollment
season and minimum enrollment duration. Please note: A vessel must hold a valid permit in the fishery(s) for
which an LOA(s) is requested. Remember to sign and date this form in the spaces provided below. For
additional information on the LOAs listed, please see the back of this form, call the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at 978-281-9315, or visit http://www.nero.noaa.gov/sfd/. This form may be photocopied. Mail or
fax completed forms to the address above.

 The 2012 Permit Year runs from May 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013
I am requesting an LOA(s) for the 2012 permit year.
LOA

Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Requested Start Date

Requested End Date

April 30

October 31

October 15

Enrollment Duration

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring such trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System.
**VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring System instead of
requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be issued this LOA.

Applicant’s Signature: I, the owner or authorized agent of the vessel named above, affirm subject to the
penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information I have given in obtaining this Letter of
Authorization(s) is true and correct.
Print Name: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________

Date: _______________

Revised January 2012

LOA Descriptions
Following is a description of each LOA that must be obtained from the Northeast Region Permit
Office. A vessel issued a valid LOA(s) must carry the LOA(s) on board at all times while enrolled in
the LOA program. A vessel owner/operator may participate in an LOA program for a period no less
than its minimum enrollment duration. The effective date of each LOA can be no earlier than one day
after the date issued. Unless the participation period specified on an LOA is longer than its minimum
enrollment duration and the owner/operator wishes to withdraw from an LOA program prior to its
stated end date, an LOA automatically expires at the end of a vessel’s participation period. To
withdraw from an LOA program (where applicable) after its minimum enrollment duration but prior to
its stated end date, an owner/operator must contact the Northeast Region Permit Office or Port Agent
to obtain a withdrawal certificate. The effective date of each withdrawal certificate can be no earlier
than one day after the date issued. A vessel is not considered officially withdrawn from an LOA
program until the owner/operator receives a withdrawal certificate. LOA enrollments and withdrawals
may be requested by mail, by phone, or by fax.
The participation period for each LOA may not exceed the permit year for that fishery. Vessel owners/operators
must apply each year to be issued an LOA for a given year.
LOA
Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Enrollment Season
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 15 - October 31
September 1 - December 31
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
September 1 - October 31
May 1 - April 30

Enrollment Duration
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days

November 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 1 - October 15
May 1 - April 30

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
System.
** VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring
System instead of requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be
issued this LOA.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 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. OMB NO. 0648-0202 Expires 4/30/2013

Letter of Authorization
(LOA) Request Form

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service / Northeast Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 282-8441, Fax: (978) 281-9161

Owner:

Permit Number:

F/V:

Hull Number:

To request an LOA(s), please enter the owner and vessel information requested above, and a valid start date and
end date in the appropriate box(es) below. Please see the reverse side of this form for each LOA’s enrollment
season and minimum enrollment duration. Please note: A vessel must hold a valid permit in the fishery(s) for
which an LOA(s) is requested. Remember to sign and date this form in the spaces provided below. For
additional information on the LOAs listed, please see the back of this form, call the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at 978-281-9315, or visit http://www.nero.noaa.gov/sfd/. This form may be photocopied. Mail or
fax completed forms to the address above.

 The 2012 Permit Year runs from May 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013
I am requesting an LOA(s) for the 2012 permit year.
LOA

Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Requested Start Date

Requested End Date

April 30

October 31

October 15

Enrollment Duration

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring such trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System.
**VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring System instead of
requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be issued this LOA.

Applicant’s Signature: I, the owner or authorized agent of the vessel named above, affirm subject to the
penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information I have given in obtaining this Letter of
Authorization(s) is true and correct.
Print Name: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________

Date: _______________

Revised January 2012

LOA Descriptions
Following is a description of each LOA that must be obtained from the Northeast Region Permit
Office. A vessel issued a valid LOA(s) must carry the LOA(s) on board at all times while enrolled in
the LOA program. A vessel owner/operator may participate in an LOA program for a period no less
than its minimum enrollment duration. The effective date of each LOA can be no earlier than one day
after the date issued. Unless the participation period specified on an LOA is longer than its minimum
enrollment duration and the owner/operator wishes to withdraw from an LOA program prior to its
stated end date, an LOA automatically expires at the end of a vessel’s participation period. To
withdraw from an LOA program (where applicable) after its minimum enrollment duration but prior to
its stated end date, an owner/operator must contact the Northeast Region Permit Office or Port Agent
to obtain a withdrawal certificate. The effective date of each withdrawal certificate can be no earlier
than one day after the date issued. A vessel is not considered officially withdrawn from an LOA
program until the owner/operator receives a withdrawal certificate. LOA enrollments and withdrawals
may be requested by mail, by phone, or by fax.
The participation period for each LOA may not exceed the permit year for that fishery. Vessel owners/operators
must apply each year to be issued an LOA for a given year.
LOA
Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Enrollment Season
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 15 - October 31
September 1 - December 31
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
September 1 - October 31
May 1 - April 30

Enrollment Duration
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days

November 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 1 - October 15
May 1 - April 30

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
System.
** VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring
System instead of requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be
issued this LOA.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 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. OMB NO. 0648-0202 Expires 4/30/2013

Letter of Authorization
(LOA) Request Form

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service / Northeast Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 282-8441, Fax: (978) 281-9161

Owner:

Permit Number:

F/V:

Hull Number:

To request an LOA(s), please enter the owner and vessel information requested above, and a valid start date and
end date in the appropriate box(es) below. Please see the reverse side of this form for each LOA’s enrollment
season and minimum enrollment duration. Please note: A vessel must hold a valid permit in the fishery(s) for
which an LOA(s) is requested. Remember to sign and date this form in the spaces provided below. For
additional information on the LOAs listed, please see the back of this form, call the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at 978-281-9315, or visit http://www.nero.noaa.gov/sfd/. This form may be photocopied. Mail or
fax completed forms to the address above.

 The 2012 Permit Year runs from May 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013
I am requesting an LOA(s) for the 2012 permit year.
LOA

Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Requested Start Date

Requested End Date

April 30

October 31

October 15

Enrollment Duration

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring such trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System.
**VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring System instead of
requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be issued this LOA.

Applicant’s Signature: I, the owner or authorized agent of the vessel named above, affirm subject to the
penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information I have given in obtaining this Letter of
Authorization(s) is true and correct.
Print Name: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________

Date: _______________

Revised January 2012

LOA Descriptions
Following is a description of each LOA that must be obtained from the Northeast Region Permit
Office. A vessel issued a valid LOA(s) must carry the LOA(s) on board at all times while enrolled in
the LOA program. A vessel owner/operator may participate in an LOA program for a period no less
than its minimum enrollment duration. The effective date of each LOA can be no earlier than one day
after the date issued. Unless the participation period specified on an LOA is longer than its minimum
enrollment duration and the owner/operator wishes to withdraw from an LOA program prior to its
stated end date, an LOA automatically expires at the end of a vessel’s participation period. To
withdraw from an LOA program (where applicable) after its minimum enrollment duration but prior to
its stated end date, an owner/operator must contact the Northeast Region Permit Office or Port Agent
to obtain a withdrawal certificate. The effective date of each withdrawal certificate can be no earlier
than one day after the date issued. A vessel is not considered officially withdrawn from an LOA
program until the owner/operator receives a withdrawal certificate. LOA enrollments and withdrawals
may be requested by mail, by phone, or by fax.
The participation period for each LOA may not exceed the permit year for that fishery. Vessel owners/operators
must apply each year to be issued an LOA for a given year.
LOA
Herring Carrier
Herring GOM/GB Midwater Trawl
Herring GOM/GB Purse Seine
Herring Transfer and Receive at Sea
Monkfish (SFMA) **
GOM Cod Landing Limit (IVR)*
Cultivator Shoals Whiting
Raised Foot Rope Trawl Whiting
P/C Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (CA)
P/C Western GOM Cashes Ledge CA
P/C GOM Rolling CA
GOM / GB Transiting
Groundfish Restricted Gear Areas
SNE Little Tunny/Gillnet
Whiting & Red Hake Transfer-at-Sea
NAFO Regulatory Area***
Summer Flounder Small-Mesh
Skate (Bait)
Dogfish (Nantucket Shoals)
SMB Transfer-at-Sea

Enrollment Season
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 15 - October 31
September 1 - December 31
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
September 1 - October 31
May 1 - April 30

Enrollment Duration
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No minimum days required
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 90 days
Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
Minimum 7 days

November 1 - April 30
May 1 - April 30
June 1 - October 15
May 1 - April 30

Minimum 7 days
Minimum 7 days
No withdrawal allowed
No minimum days required

* This LOA is issued to vessels declaring trips through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
System.
** VMS vessels may declare in and out of the Monkfish Exemption Program via their Vessel Monitoring
System instead of requesting a paper LOA.
*** A vessel must hold a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit under 50 CFR part 300 in order to be
issued this LOA.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 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. OMB NO. 0648-0202 Expires 4/30/2013

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Northeast Permit Office (978) 282-8438

Review checklist for the Renewal Vessel Application

 Ensure your application is complete
 Please review the list below
 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:
A copy of your valid Coast Guard Documentation or a copy of your valid State Registration.
Expired registrations will not be accepted.
Include a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing all persons who have an ownership
interest in the vessel.
To be eligible for a Federal party/charter permit you must include a copy of your Captain’s
License or a copy of your U.S. Coast Guard Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement.
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit or a limited access monkfish permit
with the intention of fishing with gillnet gear, you must complete the NMFS Gillnet Form. Call
the Permit Office to obtain this application or go to http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html

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

January 23, 2012
Dear Federal Fisheries Vessel Permit Applicant:
Enclosed is your Federal Northeast Region (NER) Fishing Vessel Permit renewal application and
instructions for the 2012 permit year. Your pre-printed renewal application is partially completed
based on the most recent NER Fishing Vessel Permits issued to your vessel. This package contains
answers to some of the frequently asked questions about completing your application.
For sea scallop and red crab permits, the 2012 permit year is March 1, 2012 – February 28, 2013.
For all other permits, the 2012 permit year is May 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013.
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. You can not fish without a current permit.
Atlantic Mackerel Permit Holders
All vessels that are currently issued mackerel permits will be issued one of the new permits shortly
before March 1, 2012. If we receive your application for a limited access permit by January 31,
2012, there will be time for us to review it and issue you a limited access permit, if the vessel meets
all of the eligibility criteria. Unless your vessel is issued a limited access permit by March 1, 2012,
you will be limited to a 20,000-lb possession limit while your application is being reviewed.
We will continue to review applications that are received after January 31, 2012, and will issue
limited access permits to vessels as we determine they are eligible.
Application requirements
The following documents are enclosed in this package to assist you in completing your application
and to help you understand important measures with which you must comply:
 Pre-printed vessel permit renewal application for 2012;
 Detailed permit application instructions, which include a list of permit categories;
 Vessel Trip Report (VTR) guidelines;
 Gillnet form (if applicable);
 Vessel ownership form; and
 Summary of control dates for NER fisheries;
This letter and the enclosures only summarize the 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/.
Sale of Your Catch Requirements
All vessels issued a Federal NER Fishing Vessel Permit, except those fishing on a party/charter trip,
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 may not
sell their catch of federally managed species to persons or seafood dealers that do not have valid
Federal NER dealer permits.

Reporting Requirements
Except as noted below, the owner or operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued a Federal NER
Fishing Vessel Permit has VTR reporting requirements for all fishing trips taken, regardless of
species targeted or waters fished. The two exceptions to this requirement exist for surfclam and
ocean quahog vessels which are required to report on clam log reports and for vessels that have
only been issued an American lobster permit, which has no Federal reporting requirements. For
more information, please call the Vessel Trip Reporting Office at 978-281-9246.
Federal Vessel Operator Permit
It is the responsibility of the vessel owner to ensure that his/her vessels issued NER permits are
operated by an individual with a valid Federal Vessel Operator Permit. Any individual operating a
vessel that is issued NER Federal Fishing Vessel Permits and fishing in the EEZ is subject to the
vessel operator permit requirements.
The Federal Vessel Operator Permit is a photo ID that is issued by NOAA Fisheries Service. This
permit must be carried by the operator of the vessel. Operator permits are issued for a 3-year
period and renewal applications are mailed 45 days before the expiration of the permit.
To ensure that your operator has a valid operator permit or to obtain an application, please call the
Permit Office at 978-282-8437, or online at www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html.
Reminder: Vessel operators are required to report their operator permit number when completing
their Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs).
Lobster Permit Holders
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 and potentially allow
qualified permit holders to transfer traps in Area 2,3, and Outer Cape. For more information, please
call Sustainable Fisheries at (978) 281-9315.
Tuna Permit Holders
Atlantic tuna 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.
Sincerely,

Ted Hawes, Section Chief
Northeast Permit Office

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Northeast Regional Office / Fisheries Statistics Office

Northeast Federal Fisheries
2012 Vessel Permit Renewal Instructions
Enclosed are the instructions for completing your renewal application for Federal Northeast Region
(NER) fishing permits. These instructions do not contain all of the regulatory provisions that
pertain to each fishery, and are not a substitute for the regulations. A copy of the regulations can
be obtained through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) NERO web site:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov. If you have further questions, please contact the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at (978) 281-9315.
Completing the application: Please use this checklist to help ensure that your application is
correct and complete. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned
to you. To complete your application you must:









Update or correct the information printed on your application, if necessary
Include a current copy (not expired) of the vessel’s State Registration or Coast Guard
documentation
Ensure that your Fishing Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) have been submitted and accepted to be
eligible for permit renewal (contact the Vessel Reporting Office (978) 281-9246 for information)
Submit a Vessel Ownership Form. Identify all officers, partners, and shareholders (see page 3
for additional documents required)
If you are renewing a charter/party permit, submit a copy of valid state charter/party license,
USCG Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement, or copy of a Captain’s license (see page 3
for additional documents required)
Sign and date the application
Submit completed Gillnet Form (if applicable)

Send or return completed applications to:
National Marine Fisheries Service
Attention: Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
When to submit: There is a 30-day processing period for all applications. This 30-day processing
period begins when a complete application package is received in the Northeast Region Permit
Office. If you have any questions regarding the application process, or you would like to submit
your application in person, you may visit our office at the address above from 8–4:30 Mon–Fri.
Please note that we do not provide same-day application processing on applications when you visit
our office. Please refer to the NMFS NER Web Page at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/ for
applications, instructions, fishery regulations, and other important information, or call 978-2828438 or e-mail [email protected].
Who to contact with questions: The answers to many questions can be found in these
instructions. Please contact us at 978-282-8438 if you have further questions. Northeast Fisheries
Regulations, permit data, permit applications, and important announcements are available on our
website at: www.nero.noaa.gov

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Section 1 - Vessel and Owner Information (all items must be filled in)
Please verify that all owner information is complete and correct. Any new or updated address,
owner, or vessel information must be written on the back of the form in Section 4a. The new
information will replace the corresponding information on the front of the form. If your vessel is
U.S. Coast Guard documented, a change of vessel name must also be reflected on the U.S. Coast
Guard document.

Section 2 - Vessel Information
NMFS defines Home Port and Principal Port as:
Home Port:
City and State where your vessel is moored.
Principal Port: City and State where the majority of your landings occur.
Please make sure the phone number and area code are complete and correct. Cross out any
incorrect information on the front of the form and include the correct information in the space
provided on the back of the form in section 4a.

Section 3 - Fishery Information
Fishery information gives information about the Federal permits that were last issued to your
vessel. Please review the fisheries listed in this section because NMFS will consider that you have
applied for the fisheries indicated in this section unless you indicate, on the form, that they should
be cancelled. See section 4 below on instructions for adding a fishery that your vessel is qualified
for but is not listed in section 3. NMFS reserves the right to make a final determination on a
vessel’s eligibility for any permit.
Cancelling a fishery: To cancel a fishery, put an “X” in the column marked “Cancel” on the front
of the form in section 3. Please note that, except in certain specific cases, once you relinquish
(cancel) a limited access permit, you will lose your right to renew that limited access permit in
subsequent years. When cancelling a limited access permit, the application must be accompanied
by verification, in writing, that the applicant has requested cancellation of a specific Federal
limited access fishing permit(s) and understands that the vessel or any replacement vessel will no
longer be eligible for those limited access permits.

Section 4 – Corrections and Additions
Address Corrections and Fishery Additions/Corrections are to be made in Section 4a and
4b on the back of the form. Space is provided for any changes you want to make to your
Federal fisheries permit. Please cross out information you want to remove, or place an “X” in
the column marked “Cancel” for the permit you want to cancel on the front of the form in section
3.
Fishery Categories and Gears: You may add or change a fishery category or gear code by
entering new information in this section in the spaces provided. Your vessel must be qualified to
apply for limited access fisheries. Contact Northeast Permit Office for further information. For
each fishery category you want to add, circle the category numbers or letters in this column.
Note that limited access permits require that you have met eligibility criteria. Selecting
categories for which your vessel is not eligible may delay the processing of your application. For
each fishery permit and category, you must select the applicable gear codes from the Gear Code
table on page 3 of these instructions. On your application, write the gear code numbers in the
column marked Gear Code(s). Please note that some fishery categories have restrictions on the
type of gear that can be used as noted on pages 4–10. You may select more than one gear
code for a fishery category. If no gear code is selected, the application cannot be
processed and will be returned to you.
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Section 5 – Signature of Owner or Authorized Agent
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].

Additional Documents Required
USCG Documentation/State Registration
With each application, submit a copy of your current (not expired) United States Coast
Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation. If the vessel is not documented, send a copy
of a valid (not expired) state vessel registration for the vessel. Do not send your original.
We cannot accept a bill of sale or an application for renewal of the USCG Certificate of
Documentation. If your vessel's state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also
provide a copy of the vessel's title, or other documentation from the appropriate state
agency that identifies all vessel owners. A permit application will not be accepted if the
vessel registration or documentation has expired before we receive it.
Officer/Owner/Shareholder Information
Attach a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing and identifying all owners and
shareholders. Provide the full name and mailing address of all officers and shareholders in
the corporation/LLC regardless of their percentage ownership in the company/vessel.
Examples of acceptable documentation include minutes from the Corporation Annual
Meeting listing the names and addresses of the officers and shareholders, or a signed and
dated letter from a Corporate Officer listing the names and addresses of current officers and
shareholders.
Charter/Party/Headboat Vessels
If you are applying for a charter/party/headboat permit, submit a valid copy (not expired) of
at least one of the following:
State license showing the vessel is authorized to carry charter/party passengers.
Certificate of Documentation showing vessel is documented for “Coastwise” trade.
USCG license to operate or navigate passenger-carrying vessels.
Gillnet Vessels applying for Limited Access NE Multispecies and Monkfish
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit with the intention of fishing with
gillnet gear, you must complete sections 1 and 3 of the NMFS Gillnet Form. If you wish to
order gillnet tags for either the NE multispecies or monkfish gillnet fishery, you must also
submit a completed NMFS Gillnet Form.

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

Revised: January 19, 2012

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

Code
330
410
700
800
911

OMB# 0648-0202

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

Page 3 of 11

Code
912
913
920
1010
1200
1400

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 . Further restrictions
may apply. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
2*
3*
4

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.

5*

6*
7*
8*
9
*A
the

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.
Full-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
Part-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
Occasional: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl
nets (gear code 310) only.
VMS is required to be installed and in continuous operation onboard the vessel, unless
vessel is issued a VMS ‘Letter of Exemption’ from NMFS to power down the VMS unit.

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 NGOM 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.
A**
B**

LAGC – Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ permit)
LAGC – Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM permit)

LAGC – Incidental Catch (Incidental permit)
C**
** A VMS is required to be installed, activated, and a) transmitting a positional signal, or b)
declared into a scallop power down activity code, or c) issued a VMS ‘Letter of Exemption’
from NMFS to power down the vessel’s VMS unit.
VMS purchase information:
Boatracs
Skymate
Telephone: 858-458-8100
Telephone: 866-759-6283
Fax: 858-458-8116
Fax: 703-814-8585

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

See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

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 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), white hake, Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish.
Other NE multispecies:
Silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), offshore hake, and ocean pout.
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 dredge gear.
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 one Atlantic halibut and possession limit restrictions for the remaining regulated
HA
species and ocean pout. 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, on a sector trip, or a Handgear A vessel in the common pool that
intends to fish in more than one broad stock area (BSA) on a single trip.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Handgear B: The vessel may possess and land one Atlantic halibut and other possession
HB restrictions for the remaining regulated species. This 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 page 3, additional documents required). 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 Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

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 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 for further information.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
A
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit. This category
includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit, and that are
B
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 if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
C
limited access scallop permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
D
limited access scallop permit, and are less than 51 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 are eligible for
monkfish limited access permit categories A, B, C, or D and have an operational Vessel
Monitoring System (VMS) installed on the vessel. Monkfish permit category A, B, C, and
D vessels may opt into this program for an entire fishing year, which begins on May 1
F* and ends on April 30. The request to opt into the offshore fishery must be completed
within 45 days of the effective date of the monkfish permit. Vessels in this program are
restricted to fishing under a monkfish Days At Sea 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.
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 978-282-8438. Vessels with an
operational VMS unit must declare the appropriate code to indicate they intend to fish exclusively
in the NFMA.
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.
See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

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 Surfclam/Ocean Quahog/Maine Mahogany Quahog
Surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, as well as 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 are not 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 Categories: 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 page 3, additional documents required). 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 page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all gear types.

 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.

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 Black Sea Bass (continued)
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 page 3, additional documents required).
This category includes all gear types.

 Squid, Atlantic 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. Longfin squid was previously

referred to as Loligo squid. Due to a recent change in the scientific name of longfin squid from Loligo
pealeii to Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii, permits will now use the common name “longfin squid” in all
official documents to avoid confusion.
1
5
T1

T2
T3

Longfin squid/Butterfish Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Illex Squid Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 1: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited amounts of
mackerel. This category includes all gear types. Must submit a fish hold volume certification
by December 31, 2012.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 2: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 135,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Must submit a fish hold volume
certification by December 31, 2012.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 3: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 100,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Vessels issued Tier 3 permits will be
limited to no more than 7% of the annual commercial mackerel quota.

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 Longfin or Illex
2 squid, mackerel or butterfish in the EEZ while carrying passengers for hire (See page 3,
additional documents required). This category includes all gear types.
Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 2,500 lb
3 of Longfin squid per trip, 10,000 lb of Illex squid per trip, or 2,500 lb of butterfish per trip.
This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel: May commercially fish for Atlantic mackerel in the EEZ for up to 20,000
4
lb of mackerel. This category includes all gear types.
Note: Atlantic mackerel at-sea processing vessels must apply for a permit as a dealer/processor.

 Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl
Limited Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer
to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl Permit: Allowed only for
1
vessels issued a valid Illex Squid Moratorium permit. Authorizes the limited retention of
incidentally-caught swordfish. This category only includes trawl gear.

 Spiny Dogfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. 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.
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 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 page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all
gear types.
See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

 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 sub-annual catch limit (ACL) 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 sub-ACL 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 sub-ACL in the defined management area has not been reached, 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 sub-ACL in these management areas has not been reached, with a limit
of one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.

 Tilefish
Open Access Permit Categories: A vessel must fish under the authorization of an Individual
Fishing Quota Allocation permit to possess more than the incidental trip limit. Further restrictions may
apply to these categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access Commercial/Incidental: May possess or land tilefish in or from the EEZ, north of
the VA/NC border, up to 500 lb whole weight, or 455 lb head-on and gutted, per trip. In order for
1
any vessel to possess more than 500 lb of tilefish per trip, the vessel must also fish under the
authorization of an IFQ Allocation permit. This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Charter/Party: May fish for or possess tilefish in the EEZ, north of the VA/NC
2 border, while carrying passengers for hire. (See page 3, additional documents required). This
category includes all gear types.

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 9 of 11

 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.
See page 3 for a list of NE Fisheries gear types and their codes

 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.
B This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
C 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 at 50 CFR 697.
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
(See page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all gear types except pots
and traps.
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.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 10 of 11

---

Public reporting burden for the collection of information on the initial vessel application is
estimated to average 45 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. 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 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 pool of participants 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. Owner name, vessel characteristics,
address, phone, and permit information will be released via NMFS Fisheries website. All
other data submitted will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA
Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fishery Statistics.
OMB# 0648-0202

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Expires: 4/30/2013

Page 11 of 11

National Marine Fisheries Service
(NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE)
Vessel Trip Reporting (VTRs)
This guide provides a list of commonly asked questions regarding 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.
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 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.
Northeast Region Federal permits requiring mandatory reporting
Northeast multispecies
black sea bass
tilefish
scup
Atlantic sea scallop

Atlantic bluefish

monkfish

Atlantic herring

Atlantic deep sea red
crab
spiny dogfish

Atlantic mackerel, squid,
and butterfish

Northeast skate

summer flounder

surfclam
ocean quahog

Report Submission Timelines:
All vessels, except those possessing a Northeast Multispecies or Atlantic Herring permit, required
to send VTR’s must submit their VTRs on a monthly basis. VTRs must be received or postmarked
by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the trip occurred.
Any vessel issued a Federal Northeast Multispecies or an Atlantic Herring permit, regardless of
category (limited access, open access or Charter/Party), must submit VTRs on a weekly basis.
VTRs must be submitted by midnight of the Tuesday following the reporting week (Sunday
through Saturday) in which fish were offloaded for any trip, including trips landing other species.
Did Not Fish reports are due in accordance with the above submission schedule.
Submit the white original (NMFS Copy) to:
NMFS
Vessel Trip Reporting Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
If you have any questions regarding VTRs, please call the NMFS Vessel Trip Report Office at (978) 281-9246.

Page 1 of 2

Questions &Answers
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 unless you possess a Federal Northeast Multispecies or an Atlantic Herring Permit.
If I fish in state waters, do I have to submit a trip report?
Yes. If you possess a Federal permit for any species listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew a limited access
permit, you then have VTR 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 possess a Federal permit for any species listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew a limited access
permit, you then have VTR 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.
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 federally permitted dealers purchasing the catch. In the instance
where you have 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 by the vessel representative.
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.

Page 2 of 2

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 participation in 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 participation in 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: 703-842-0740

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

Summary revised January 2012

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)

Amendment 3 is under development and may establish limited access
and/or recreational management measures.

Capacity Control
Scallop
Multispecies,
Monkfish DAS

9-10-99

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Black Sea Bass

6-5-01

MAFMC

Would have established different classes of permits for the fishery;
considered in Amendment 13 but not adopted by Council.

Current status of management action

Atlantic Mackerel

7-5-02

MAFMC

Amendment 11 to the Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish FMP which
implemented a limited access program for the mackerel fishery, has
been finalized and NOAA Fisheries is accepting applications until
February 28, 2013. See the November 18, 2011, permit holder letter
for more information
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/nr/nrdoc/11/11MackLAPermitPHL.pdf

Hagfish

8-28-02

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Whiting/red
hake/offshore
hake

3-25-03

NEFMC

Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP is under
development and may establish some form of limited access for the
whiting (small-mesh multispecies) fishery.

Multispecies
Charter/Party

3-30-06

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

American Lobster

9-1-99
1-2-09

ASMFC

Skates

7-30-09

NEFMC

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 and potentially allow
qualified permit holders to transfer traps in Area 2,3, and Outer
Cape.
No action currently underway.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Northeast Permit Office (978) 282-8438

Review checklist for the Renewal Vessel Application

 Ensure your application is complete
 Please review the list below
 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:
A copy of your valid Coast Guard Documentation or a copy of your valid State Registration.
Expired registrations will not be accepted.
Include a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing all persons who have an ownership
interest in the vessel.
To be eligible for a Federal party/charter permit you must include a copy of your Captain’s
License or a copy of your U.S. Coast Guard Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement.
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit or a limited access monkfish permit
with the intention of fishing with gillnet gear, you must complete the NMFS Gillnet Form. Call
the Permit Office to obtain this application or go to http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html

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

January 23, 2012
Dear Federal Fisheries Vessel Permit Applicant:
Enclosed is your Federal Northeast Region (NER) Fishing Vessel Permit renewal application and
instructions for the 2012 permit year. Your pre-printed renewal application is partially completed
based on the most recent NER Fishing Vessel Permits issued to your vessel. This package contains
answers to some of the frequently asked questions about completing your application.
For sea scallop and red crab permits, the 2012 permit year is March 1, 2012 – February 28, 2013.
For all other permits, the 2012 permit year is May 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013.
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. You can not fish without a current permit.
Atlantic Mackerel Permit Holders
All vessels that are currently issued mackerel permits will be issued one of the new permits shortly
before March 1, 2012. If we receive your application for a limited access permit by January 31,
2012, there will be time for us to review it and issue you a limited access permit, if the vessel meets
all of the eligibility criteria. Unless your vessel is issued a limited access permit by March 1, 2012,
you will be limited to a 20,000-lb possession limit while your application is being reviewed.
We will continue to review applications that are received after January 31, 2012, and will issue
limited access permits to vessels as we determine they are eligible.
Application requirements
The following documents are enclosed in this package to assist you in completing your application
and to help you understand important measures with which you must comply:
 Pre-printed vessel permit renewal application for 2012;
 Detailed permit application instructions, which include a list of permit categories;
 Vessel Trip Report (VTR) guidelines;
 Gillnet form (if applicable);
 Vessel ownership form; and
 Summary of control dates for NER fisheries;
This letter and the enclosures only summarize the 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/.
Sale of Your Catch Requirements
All vessels issued a Federal NER Fishing Vessel Permit, except those fishing on a party/charter trip,
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 may not
sell their catch of federally managed species to persons or seafood dealers that do not have valid
Federal NER dealer permits.

Reporting Requirements
Except as noted below, the owner or operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued a Federal NER
Fishing Vessel Permit has VTR reporting requirements for all fishing trips taken, regardless of
species targeted or waters fished. The two exceptions to this requirement exist for surfclam and
ocean quahog vessels which are required to report on clam log reports and for vessels that have
only been issued an American lobster permit, which has no Federal reporting requirements. For
more information, please call the Vessel Trip Reporting Office at 978-281-9246.
Federal Vessel Operator Permit
It is the responsibility of the vessel owner to ensure that his/her vessels issued NER permits are
operated by an individual with a valid Federal Vessel Operator Permit. Any individual operating a
vessel that is issued NER Federal Fishing Vessel Permits and fishing in the EEZ is subject to the
vessel operator permit requirements.
The Federal Vessel Operator Permit is a photo ID that is issued by NOAA Fisheries Service. This
permit must be carried by the operator of the vessel. Operator permits are issued for a 3-year
period and renewal applications are mailed 45 days before the expiration of the permit.
To ensure that your operator has a valid operator permit or to obtain an application, please call the
Permit Office at 978-282-8437, or online at www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html.
Reminder: Vessel operators are required to report their operator permit number when completing
their Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs).
Lobster Permit Holders
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 and potentially allow
qualified permit holders to transfer traps in Area 2,3, and Outer Cape. For more information, please
call Sustainable Fisheries at (978) 281-9315.
Tuna Permit Holders
Atlantic tuna 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.
Sincerely,

Ted Hawes, Section Chief
Northeast Permit Office

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Northeast Regional Office / Fisheries Statistics Office

Northeast Federal Fisheries
2012 Vessel Permit Renewal Instructions
Enclosed are the instructions for completing your renewal application for Federal Northeast Region
(NER) fishing permits. These instructions do not contain all of the regulatory provisions that
pertain to each fishery, and are not a substitute for the regulations. A copy of the regulations can
be obtained through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) NERO web site:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov. If you have further questions, please contact the Sustainable Fisheries
Division at (978) 281-9315.
Completing the application: Please use this checklist to help ensure that your application is
correct and complete. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned
to you. To complete your application you must:









Update or correct the information printed on your application, if necessary
Include a current copy (not expired) of the vessel’s State Registration or Coast Guard
documentation
Ensure that your Fishing Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) have been submitted and accepted to be
eligible for permit renewal (contact the Vessel Reporting Office (978) 281-9246 for information)
Submit a Vessel Ownership Form. Identify all officers, partners, and shareholders (see page 3
for additional documents required)
If you are renewing a charter/party permit, submit a copy of valid state charter/party license,
USCG Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement, or copy of a Captain’s license (see page 3
for additional documents required)
Sign and date the application
Submit completed Gillnet Form (if applicable)

Send or return completed applications to:
National Marine Fisheries Service
Attention: Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
When to submit: There is a 30-day processing period for all applications. This 30-day processing
period begins when a complete application package is received in the Northeast Region Permit
Office. If you have any questions regarding the application process, or you would like to submit
your application in person, you may visit our office at the address above from 8–4:30 Mon–Fri.
Please note that we do not provide same-day application processing on applications when you visit
our office. Please refer to the NMFS NER Web Page at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/ for
applications, instructions, fishery regulations, and other important information, or call 978-2828438 or e-mail [email protected].
Who to contact with questions: The answers to many questions can be found in these
instructions. Please contact us at 978-282-8438 if you have further questions. Northeast Fisheries
Regulations, permit data, permit applications, and important announcements are available on our
website at: www.nero.noaa.gov

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 1 of 11

Section 1 - Vessel and Owner Information (all items must be filled in)
Please verify that all owner information is complete and correct. Any new or updated address,
owner, or vessel information must be written on the back of the form in Section 4a. The new
information will replace the corresponding information on the front of the form. If your vessel is
U.S. Coast Guard documented, a change of vessel name must also be reflected on the U.S. Coast
Guard document.

Section 2 - Vessel Information
NMFS defines Home Port and Principal Port as:
Home Port:
City and State where your vessel is moored.
Principal Port: City and State where the majority of your landings occur.
Please make sure the phone number and area code are complete and correct. Cross out any
incorrect information on the front of the form and include the correct information in the space
provided on the back of the form in section 4a.

Section 3 - Fishery Information
Fishery information gives information about the Federal permits that were last issued to your
vessel. Please review the fisheries listed in this section because NMFS will consider that you have
applied for the fisheries indicated in this section unless you indicate, on the form, that they should
be cancelled. See section 4 below on instructions for adding a fishery that your vessel is qualified
for but is not listed in section 3. NMFS reserves the right to make a final determination on a
vessel’s eligibility for any permit.
Cancelling a fishery: To cancel a fishery, put an “X” in the column marked “Cancel” on the front
of the form in section 3. Please note that, except in certain specific cases, once you relinquish
(cancel) a limited access permit, you will lose your right to renew that limited access permit in
subsequent years. When cancelling a limited access permit, the application must be accompanied
by verification, in writing, that the applicant has requested cancellation of a specific Federal
limited access fishing permit(s) and understands that the vessel or any replacement vessel will no
longer be eligible for those limited access permits.

Section 4 – Corrections and Additions
Address Corrections and Fishery Additions/Corrections are to be made in Section 4a and
4b on the back of the form. Space is provided for any changes you want to make to your
Federal fisheries permit. Please cross out information you want to remove, or place an “X” in
the column marked “Cancel” for the permit you want to cancel on the front of the form in section
3.
Fishery Categories and Gears: You may add or change a fishery category or gear code by
entering new information in this section in the spaces provided. Your vessel must be qualified to
apply for limited access fisheries. Contact Northeast Permit Office for further information. For
each fishery category you want to add, circle the category numbers or letters in this column.
Note that limited access permits require that you have met eligibility criteria. Selecting
categories for which your vessel is not eligible may delay the processing of your application. For
each fishery permit and category, you must select the applicable gear codes from the Gear Code
table on page 3 of these instructions. On your application, write the gear code numbers in the
column marked Gear Code(s). Please note that some fishery categories have restrictions on the
type of gear that can be used as noted on pages 4–10. You may select more than one gear
code for a fishery category. If no gear code is selected, the application cannot be
processed and will be returned to you.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 2 of 11

Section 5 – Signature of Owner or Authorized Agent
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].

Additional Documents Required
USCG Documentation/State Registration
With each application, submit a copy of your current (not expired) United States Coast
Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation. If the vessel is not documented, send a copy
of a valid (not expired) state vessel registration for the vessel. Do not send your original.
We cannot accept a bill of sale or an application for renewal of the USCG Certificate of
Documentation. If your vessel's state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also
provide a copy of the vessel's title, or other documentation from the appropriate state
agency that identifies all vessel owners. A permit application will not be accepted if the
vessel registration or documentation has expired before we receive it.
Officer/Owner/Shareholder Information
Attach a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing and identifying all owners and
shareholders. Provide the full name and mailing address of all officers and shareholders in
the corporation/LLC regardless of their percentage ownership in the company/vessel.
Examples of acceptable documentation include minutes from the Corporation Annual
Meeting listing the names and addresses of the officers and shareholders, or a signed and
dated letter from a Corporate Officer listing the names and addresses of current officers and
shareholders.
Charter/Party/Headboat Vessels
If you are applying for a charter/party/headboat permit, submit a valid copy (not expired) of
at least one of the following:
State license showing the vessel is authorized to carry charter/party passengers.
Certificate of Documentation showing vessel is documented for “Coastwise” trade.
USCG license to operate or navigate passenger-carrying vessels.
Gillnet Vessels applying for Limited Access NE Multispecies and Monkfish
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit with the intention of fishing with
gillnet gear, you must complete sections 1 and 3 of the NMFS Gillnet Form. If you wish to
order gillnet tags for either the NE multispecies or monkfish gillnet fishery, you must also
submit a completed NMFS Gillnet Form.

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

Revised: January 19, 2012

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

Code
330
410
700
800
911

OMB# 0648-0202

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

Page 3 of 11

Code
912
913
920
1010
1200
1400

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 . Further restrictions
may apply. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
2*
3*
4

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.

5*

6*
7*
8*
9
*A
the

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.
Full-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
Part-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl nets
(gear code 310) only.
Occasional: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is limited to bottom trawl
nets (gear code 310) only.
VMS is required to be installed and in continuous operation onboard the vessel, unless
vessel is issued a VMS ‘Letter of Exemption’ from NMFS to power down the VMS unit.

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 NGOM 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.
A**
B**

LAGC – Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ permit)
LAGC – Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM permit)

LAGC – Incidental Catch (Incidental permit)
C**
** A VMS is required to be installed, activated, and a) transmitting a positional signal, or b)
declared into a scallop power down activity code, or c) issued a VMS ‘Letter of Exemption’
from NMFS to power down the vessel’s VMS unit.
VMS purchase information:
Boatracs
Skymate
Telephone: 858-458-8100
Telephone: 866-759-6283
Fax: 858-458-8116
Fax: 703-814-8585

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

See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 4 of 11

 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), white hake, Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish.
Other NE multispecies:
Silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), offshore hake, and ocean pout.
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 dredge gear.
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 one Atlantic halibut and possession limit restrictions for the remaining regulated
HA
species and ocean pout. 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, on a sector trip, or a Handgear A vessel in the common pool that
intends to fish in more than one broad stock area (BSA) on a single trip.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Handgear B: The vessel may possess and land one Atlantic halibut and other possession
HB restrictions for the remaining regulated species. This 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 page 3, additional documents required). 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 Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 5 of 11

 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 for further information.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
A
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit. This category
includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit, and that are
B
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 if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
C
limited access scallop permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
D
limited access scallop permit, and are less than 51 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 are eligible for
monkfish limited access permit categories A, B, C, or D and have an operational Vessel
Monitoring System (VMS) installed on the vessel. Monkfish permit category A, B, C, and
D vessels may opt into this program for an entire fishing year, which begins on May 1
F* and ends on April 30. The request to opt into the offshore fishery must be completed
within 45 days of the effective date of the monkfish permit. Vessels in this program are
restricted to fishing under a monkfish Days At Sea 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.
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 978-282-8438. Vessels with an
operational VMS unit must declare the appropriate code to indicate they intend to fish exclusively
in the NFMA.
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.
See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 6 of 11

 Surfclam/Ocean Quahog/Maine Mahogany Quahog
Surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, as well as 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 are not 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 Categories: 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 page 3, additional documents required). 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 page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all gear types.

 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.

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 7 of 11

 Black Sea Bass (continued)
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 page 3, additional documents required).
This category includes all gear types.

 Squid, Atlantic 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. Longfin squid was previously

referred to as Loligo squid. Due to a recent change in the scientific name of longfin squid from Loligo
pealeii to Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii, permits will now use the common name “longfin squid” in all
official documents to avoid confusion.
1
5
T1

T2
T3

Longfin squid/Butterfish Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Illex Squid Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 1: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited amounts of
mackerel. This category includes all gear types. Must submit a fish hold volume certification
by December 31, 2012.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 2: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 135,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Must submit a fish hold volume
certification by December 31, 2012.
Atlantic Mackerel Tier 3: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 100,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Vessels issued Tier 3 permits will be
limited to no more than 7% of the annual commercial mackerel quota.

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 Longfin or Illex
2 squid, mackerel or butterfish in the EEZ while carrying passengers for hire (See page 3,
additional documents required). This category includes all gear types.
Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 2,500 lb
3 of Longfin squid per trip, 10,000 lb of Illex squid per trip, or 2,500 lb of butterfish per trip.
This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel: May commercially fish for Atlantic mackerel in the EEZ for up to 20,000
4
lb of mackerel. This category includes all gear types.
Note: Atlantic mackerel at-sea processing vessels must apply for a permit as a dealer/processor.

 Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl
Limited Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer
to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl Permit: Allowed only for
1
vessels issued a valid Illex Squid Moratorium permit. Authorizes the limited retention of
incidentally-caught swordfish. This category only includes trawl gear.

 Spiny Dogfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. 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.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 8 of 11

 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 page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all
gear types.
See page 3 for a list of Northeast Fisheries gear types and their codes

 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 sub-annual catch limit (ACL) 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 sub-ACL 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 sub-ACL in the defined management area has not been reached, 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 sub-ACL in these management areas has not been reached, with a limit
of one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.

 Tilefish
Open Access Permit Categories: A vessel must fish under the authorization of an Individual
Fishing Quota Allocation permit to possess more than the incidental trip limit. Further restrictions may
apply to these categories. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access Commercial/Incidental: May possess or land tilefish in or from the EEZ, north of
the VA/NC border, up to 500 lb whole weight, or 455 lb head-on and gutted, per trip. In order for
1
any vessel to possess more than 500 lb of tilefish per trip, the vessel must also fish under the
authorization of an IFQ Allocation permit. This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Charter/Party: May fish for or possess tilefish in the EEZ, north of the VA/NC
2 border, while carrying passengers for hire. (See page 3, additional documents required). This
category includes all gear types.

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 9 of 11

 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.
See page 3 for a list of NE Fisheries gear types and their codes

 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.
B This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
C 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 at 50 CFR 697.
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
(See page 3, additional documents required). This category includes all gear types except pots
and traps.
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.
Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 10 of 11

---

Public reporting burden for the collection of information on the initial vessel application is
estimated to average 45 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. 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 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 pool of participants 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. Owner name, vessel characteristics,
address, phone, and permit information will be released via NMFS Fisheries website. All
other data submitted will be handled as confidential material in accordance with NOAA
Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fishery Statistics.
OMB# 0648-0202

Revised: January 19, 2012

OMB# 0648-0202

Expires: 4/30/2013

Page 11 of 11

National Marine Fisheries Service
(NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE)
Vessel Trip Reporting (VTRs)
This guide provides a list of commonly asked questions regarding 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.
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 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.
Northeast Region Federal permits requiring mandatory reporting
Northeast multispecies
black sea bass
tilefish
scup
Atlantic sea scallop

Atlantic bluefish

monkfish

Atlantic herring

Atlantic deep sea red
crab
spiny dogfish

Atlantic mackerel, squid,
and butterfish

Northeast skate

summer flounder

surfclam
ocean quahog

Report Submission Timelines:
All vessels, except those possessing a Northeast Multispecies or Atlantic Herring permit, required
to send VTR’s must submit their VTRs on a monthly basis. VTRs must be received or postmarked
by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the trip occurred.
Any vessel issued a Federal Northeast Multispecies or an Atlantic Herring permit, regardless of
category (limited access, open access or Charter/Party), must submit VTRs on a weekly basis.
VTRs must be submitted by midnight of the Tuesday following the reporting week (Sunday
through Saturday) in which fish were offloaded for any trip, including trips landing other species.
Did Not Fish reports are due in accordance with the above submission schedule.
Submit the white original (NMFS Copy) to:
NMFS
Vessel Trip Reporting Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
If you have any questions regarding VTRs, please call the NMFS Vessel Trip Report Office at (978) 281-9246.

Page 1 of 2

Questions &Answers
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 unless you possess a Federal Northeast Multispecies or an Atlantic Herring Permit.
If I fish in state waters, do I have to submit a trip report?
Yes. If you possess a Federal permit for any species listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew a limited access
permit, you then have VTR 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 possess a Federal permit for any species listed above in Table 1, or are eligible to renew a limited access
permit, you then have VTR 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.
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 federally permitted dealers purchasing the catch. In the instance
where you have 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 by the vessel representative.
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.

Page 2 of 2

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 participation in 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 participation in 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: 703-842-0740

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

Summary revised January 2012

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)

Amendment 3 is under development and may establish limited access
and/or recreational management measures.

Capacity Control
Scallop
Multispecies,
Monkfish DAS

9-10-99

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Black Sea Bass

6-5-01

MAFMC

Would have established different classes of permits for the fishery;
considered in Amendment 13 but not adopted by Council.

Current status of management action

Atlantic Mackerel

7-5-02

MAFMC

Amendment 11 to the Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish FMP which
implemented a limited access program for the mackerel fishery, has
been finalized and NOAA Fisheries is accepting applications until
February 28, 2013. See the November 18, 2011, permit holder letter
for more information
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/nr/nrdoc/11/11MackLAPermitPHL.pdf

Hagfish

8-28-02

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Whiting/red
hake/offshore
hake

3-25-03

NEFMC

Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP is under
development and may establish some form of limited access for the
whiting (small-mesh multispecies) fishery.

Multispecies
Charter/Party

3-30-06

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

American Lobster

9-1-99
1-2-09

ASMFC

Skates

7-30-09

NEFMC

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 and potentially allow
qualified permit holders to transfer traps in Area 2,3, and Outer
Cape.
No action currently underway.