Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the Exclusive

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Revised 3/23/18

Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Greater Atlantic Region
General Information
If you are a new owner of a vessel or your vessel is new to our region, please review and complete
the initial vessel application provided herein.
Applicants with specific questions are encouraged to contact the Permit Office at (978) 282‐8438
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET or by email at: [email protected]. Applicants are
also encouraged to visit our website at http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/permits
What to include with your application
1. Signed and dated initial application;
2. Signed and dated owner form with the names of each owner and/or shareholder of the vessel and;
3. A copy of the vessel’s valid Coast Guard Documentation or State Registration. Expired USCG
Documentation or State registrations will not be accepted.
4. For party/charter permits: include a copy of your valid Captain’s License or a copy of your Coast
Guard Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement.
5. If the vessel is owned by a company or LLC, include a copy of the articles of incorporation or
organization showing the members of the business.
6. If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F or a limited access monkfish permit and you
intend to fish with gillnets or you need to order more tags, request a gillnet tag form.
7. If applying for a letter of authorization (LOA), complete and request an LOA Form.
If your application is not complete when we receive it, we will return it to you for completion or
correction. This will delay the issuance of your permit. You cannot fish without an active permit.

Where to send your completed application (email, fax or mail)
Fax completed forms to:

(978) 281‐9161

Mail completed forms to:

NMFS Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

Email scanned forms to:

[email protected]

Reporting Requirements
The owner or operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued a Greater Atlantic Region Fishing Vessel Permit
has VTR reporting requirements for all fishing trips taken, regardless of species targeted or waters fished.
Federal surf clam and ocean quahog permit holders must complete clam/quahog log reports when fishing for
those species. Vessels that only possess an American lobster permit are not required to submit VTRs. For
more information, please call the Vessel Reporting Office at (978) 281‐9246 or visit our website at:
www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/evtr/doc/vtr_inst.pdf

Federal Vessel Operator Permit
It is the responsibility of the vessel owner to ensure that his/her vessels issued Greater Atlantic Region
permits are operated by an individual with a valid Federal Vessel Operator Permit. Any individual operating a
vessel issued Greater Atlantic Federal Fishing Vessel Permit is subject to the vessel operator permit
requirements. Vessel operators are required to report their operator permit number when completing their
VTRs.
The Federal Vessel Operator Permit is a photo ID that must be carried by the operator of the vessel.
Operator permits are issued for a 3‐year period and renewal applications are mailed 35 to 45 days before the
expiration of the permit. If you already have an operator permit issued by the Southeast Region (SERO), you
do not need to get one from us, the Greater Atlantic Region. Either permit is valid for all of the Southeast
and Greater Atlantic fisheries that require an operator permit.
Be sure to keep your address up to date. This will ensure you receive your renewal at the correct address
and in a timely manner. Address changes can be made by sending us a written request signed and dated
by the owner.
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 http:// http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/forms.html.
Tuna Permit Holders
Atlantic tuna vessel permits are issued through a separate permitting system, which can be accessed by
phone at (888) 872‐8862 (888‐USA‐TUNA) or via the Internet at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/
Atlantic tunas regulations can also be found on this same website, or can be answered at 978‐281‐9260.
Sale of Your Catch Requirements
All vessels issued a Federal Greater Atlantic Region Fishing Vessel Permit are required to sell their catch of
federally managed species only to seafood dealers with a valid Federal Greater Atlantic Region dealer permit
for that species. Federally permitted vessels with Greater Atlantic Region permits may not sell their catch of
federally managed species to persons or seafood dealers that do not have valid Federal Greater Atlantic
Region dealer permits.

Federal Regulations: This letter and the enclosures only summarize the legal requirements. Please consult
the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations whose guidance for application requirements, permit eligibilities, and
related information will always prevail. For a complete understanding of your obligations, consult the
regulations at: www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/fr.html or call 978‐281‐9315.

Greater Atlantic Region Federal Fisheries Initial Permit Application
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
PERMIT OFFICE
55 Great Republic Drive
GLOUCESTER, MA 01930-2276
Tel: (978) 282-8438

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

Vessel Name:

Owner Name:

Mailing Address:
City:

State:

Zip:

Telephone:

CG Doc. or State Registration Num:
Home Port: City

Alternate Phone:
ST

Previously permitted Vessel Permit #

Principal Port: City

ST

(if applicable)

Section 2 - Vessel Information
Enter information in the spaces provided. All applicable items must be completed.

Vessel Length:

Dredge Size:

Overall length in feet.

Dredge size in feet.

Crew Size:

Number of Dredges:

Average number or crew, including the captain.

Total number of dredges aboard the vessel.

Gross Tonnage:

Pump Horsepower:

As recorded on US Coast Guard Documentation.

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

Year Built:

Construction: Please check

✔

the number that applies to your vessel.

The year the vessel was built.

1=Wood

Engine HP:

2=Fiberglass

Propulsion: Please check

✔

3=Steel

4=Other

the number that applies to your vessel.

The vessel engine horsepower.

1=Gasoline

2=Diesel

3=Other

Fish Hold Capacity:

Number of Charter/Party Passengers:

Measured to the nearest 100 pounds.

Number of passengers the vessel is licensed to carry.
(See page 3 of instructions for additional documents required)

Signature required on back of form OMB# 0648-0202 Expires 08/31/2019

Section 3 – Fishery Information
Gear Codes

120 – Purse Seine

210 – Beach Seine

220 – Boat Seines

310 – Bottom Trawl

320 – Midwater Trawl

330–Other Trawl

410 – Dredge

700 – Gill/Entangling Nets

800 – Pots & Traps

911 – Hand Lines

912 – Rod & Reel

913 – Tub Trawl

1010 – Harpoons

920 – Longlines / Setlines

1400 – Diving Gear

1200 – Other Gears

Circle or check the number or letter of the fishery category for which you are applying. Clearly print the associated gear code(s)
from the list above. Refer to the instructions for allowable gear code(s) per category.
If you select a fishery category and gear code combination(s) for which your vessel is not eligible, the processing of your permit
may be delayed. See instructions for further details or call the Permit Office at (978) 282-8438.
Open Access
Limited Access Categories
Fisheries
Gear Code(s)
Categories
Qualified Vessels Only
reset
2
3
4
5
Atlantic Sea Scallop
★
6
7
8
9
Atlantic Sea Scallop – General
Northeast Multispecies

HB
J

Monkfish

E

Surf Clam/Ocean Quahog

1

A
A
E
A
F

I*
K

reset

D
HA

★
reset

★

D

C
H

reset ★

410 – Dredge only
410 – Dredge only

7

Summer Flounder

2*

1

Scup

2*

1

Black Sea Bass

2*

1

Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish

2*

3

Incidental HMS Squid Trawl

4

5

6 T1

T2

reset ★

T3

1A

1B

1C

1

Spiny Dogfish

1

Atlantic Bluefish

1

2*

Atlantic Herring

D

E

Tilefish

1

2*

Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab

A

Skate

1

American Lobster - Trap

C

6

Maine Mahogany Quahog

American Lobster – Non Trap

B
C
F
B
G

A

B

B

C

1
A1
A5

2*
A2
A6

C

reset

A3
AOC

★

A4

800 – Pots and Traps only

* Charter/Party permit categories

Section 4 – Application Checklist & Signature
 Please include the applicable forms below with your signed and dated application
All vessels: copy of current (not expired) US Coast Guard (CG) Documentation or State Registration.
Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships: signed and dated list of current owners/officers/partners and their addresses.
All vessels: Vessel Ownership Form with each vessel application.
Charter/Party requests: CG Documentation must state “coastwise” or include a copy of a valid Captain’s license.

I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the vessel named in Section 1. I affirm,
subject to the penalties provided in 18 USC 1001, that all information provided obtaining this permit is true and correct.
Print Name:

Signature:

Date:

Public reporting burden for the collection of information on this application is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering needed data and documents, and completing the application. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or suggestions for reducing
this burden to: NOAA Fisheries, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requires that potential respondents for
this permit be notified of certain information regarding their rights and the burden associated with applying for Federal fisheries permits. 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 PRA, 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 a NOAA 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.
Revised 11/23/2016 OMB # 0648-0202 Expires: 8/31/19

National Marine Fisheries Service / Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office

Owner Form
Completion of this form is required with each application for a Greater Atlantic Federal Vessel or
Dealer permit.
List all persons who have an ownership interest in the business that is the subject of this application.
Owners or persons who have an ownership interest in a business are defined as and include, but are
not limited to, corporations, partnerships, LLCs, persons who are shareholders in a corporation,
persons who have formed a partnership (general or limited), and any other entities that have
ownership interest in the business.

Section A – Dealer or Vessel name and Federal Permit Number. If this application is for a new or initial
permit, then leave permit number blank.
Dealer or Vessel Name:

Permit Number:

USCG documentation or State Registration Number (Vessel Permit Applicants):

Section B ‐ All persons who have an ownership interest in the business must be listed below. Do not include
employees of the business unless they are also an owner or shareholder.
Mr/Mrs/Ms

First Name

Check all that apply Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Middle Name

Middle Name

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Officer

Officer

Middle Name

Owner

Officer

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder
Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Additional space provided on the back of this form to list all persons with an ownership interest in the business.

I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the business named in Section A above. I
affirm, subject to the penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information that I have given in obtaining this permit
is true and correct.
OMB# 0648‐0202 Expires 08/31/2019

Name of Applicant (print clearly)
Signature of Applicant

Date

Page 2 ‐ Section B Continued ‐ All persons who have an ownership interest in the business must be listed
below. Do not include employees of the business unless they are also an owner or shareholder.
Mr/Mrs/Ms

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

Officer

Middle Name

Owner

Officer
Middle Name

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Officer

Middle Name

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Officer

Middle Name

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Middle Name

Officer

Middle Name

Owner

Officer

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder
Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the business named in Section A above. I
affirm, subject to the penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information that I have given in obtaining this permit
is true and correct.
OMB# 0648‐0202 Expires 08/31/2019

Name of Applicant (print clearly)
Signature of Applicant

Date

Please copy this form as needed to provide information on all persons with an ownership interest in the
business in Section A.

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

Review checklist for Initial Vessel Applications

 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 initial vessel permit application:
A copy of your valid Coast Guard Documentation or a copy of your valid State Registration.
Expired registrations will not be accepted.
A completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing all persons who have an ownership interest in
the vessel.
If the vessel is owned by a company, LLC or a partnership, please include a copy of the articles
of incorporation, articles of organization, or your partnership agreement.


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 and
obtain gillnet tags. Call the Permit Office to obtain a gillnet tag application or go to
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/forms.html

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
2019 Vessel Permit Instructions
Enclosed are the instructions for completing the initial vessel permit application for Federal
Greater Atlantic Region (GAR) 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) GAR web site: www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/fr.html. If you have further
regulatory 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:
 Provide all requested information
 Include a current copy (not expired) of the vessel’s State Registration or U.S. 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)
 Complete and submit a NMFS Owner Form. Identify all officers, partners, and shareholders
(see page 3 for additional information)
 If you are renewing a charter/party permit, submit a copy of a 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)
 VMS activation/current position data (if applicable)

Choose only one of following options to send us your application
Fax completed forms to:
or
Email scanned forms to:
or
Mail completed forms to:

(978) 281‐9161 (fax) or (978) 281‐9169 (fax)
[email protected]
NMFS Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

Important: If you email or fax your application, please do not mail the original.
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 GAR Permit Office. Please
remember that you cannot fish unless you have a current and valid fishing permit.
If 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 we do not provide same-day application processing when you
visit our office.
Who to contact with questions: If you have any questions about your application or the
application process, please contact us at (978) 282-8438 or by email at
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Page 1 of 12

[email protected]. Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations, permit data, permit
applications, and important announcements are available on our website at:
www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/.
Section 1 - Vessel and Owner Information (all items must be filled in)
Please verify that all owner information is complete and correct. You can provide any new or
updated contact or vessel information 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 your U.S. Coast Guard
document in order for us to make that change.
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 enter the correct information in the space
provided on the back of the form. If you have an additional phone number where you can be
reached, please include that number in the alternate telephone space 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.
How to cancel 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 4a & 4b – Corrections and Additions
Address Corrections and Fishery Additions/Corrections are to be made in Section 4a and
4b on the back of the form. 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.
Fishery Categories and Gears: You may add or change a fishery category or gear code by
entering new information in this section. Your vessel must be qualified to apply for limited
access fisheries. Contact Greater Atlantic 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 listed in section 4b. On your
application, write the gear code numbers in the column marked Gear Code(s). Please note
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Page 2 of 12

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.
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 Conditions and Documents Required
VMS Information
For further information on the Greater Atlantic Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
Program, go to: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/vms/index.html.
USCG Documentation/State Registration
With each application, submit a copy of your current (not expired) U.S. 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.
Owner/Shareholder/Officer Information
Attach a completed NMFS owner form listing and identifying all owners and shareholders.
Please provide the full name of all owners, officers, partners, and/or shareholders in the
corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship regardless of their percentage of
ownership in the company/vessel.
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
330 – Other
Trawl
913
–
Tub
Trawl

120–Purse
Seine
410 – Dredge
1010–
Harpoons

210 – Beach Seine
700 – Gill/Entangling
Nets
920 – Longlines /
Setlines

220
–
Boat
Seines
800 – Pots &
Traps
1400 – Diving
Gear

310–Bottom
Trawl
911 – Hand Lines
1200 –
Gears

320 – Midwater
Trawl
912 – Rod & Reel

Other

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Page 3 of 12

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 Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
2*
3*
4

5*

6*
7*
8*
9
* An

Full-Time: This category is limited to dredge gear where the combined width in use or in
possession does not exceed 31 feet.
Part-Time: This category is limited to dredge gear where the combined width in use or in
possession does not exceed 31 feet.
Occasional: This category is limited to dredge gear where the combined width in use or
in possession does not exceed 31 feet.
Full-Time Small Dredge: Category 3 (Part-Time) vessel may elect this category for the
entire year if the vessel uses one dredge no larger than 10.5 ft. and with no more than five
people on board. This category is limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.
Part-Time Small Dredge: Category 4 (Occasional) vessel may elect this category for the
entire year if the vessel uses 1 dredge no larger than 10.5 ft. and with no more than five
people on board. This category is limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.
Full-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is authorized to use bottom
trawl nets (gear code 310) to fish for scallops under a scallop DAS.
Part-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is authorized to use bottom
trawl nets (gear code 310) to fish for scallops under a scallop DAS.
Occasional: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is authorized to use bottom
trawl nets (gear code 310) to fish for scallops under a scallop DAS.
approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.

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 Greater Atlantic 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)

C*

LAGC – Incidental Catch (Incidental permit)

* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
VMS Information
For further information on the Greater Atlantic Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Program,
please go to this link: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/vms/index.html.

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Page 4 of 12

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. 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 Greater Atlantic
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: This category includes all gear types except dredge gear and is only
E* applicable for vessels that have a limited access scallop permit. Vessels in this category may
not change category.
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.
HA Handgear A: This category is limited to rod and reel (gear code 912), handline (gear code
** 911) or tub trawl (gear code 913) gear only. Vessels may not change category.
* An operational VMS is required to be on board the vessel to fish for groundfish under a
NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip.
** A Handgear A vessel in the common pool must declare its trips using the Interactive
Voice Response (IVR) system, unless it intends to fish in more than one broad stock area
(BSA) on a single trip, in which case, it would need a VMS unit to declare its trips.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Handgear B: This category includes rod and reel (gear code 912), handline (gear code
HB 911) or tub trawl (gear code 913) gear only.
Charter/Party: The vessel may possess and land multispecies in the EEZ when carrying
passengers for hire (See page 3, additional documents required). This category is limited
I
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 participate in an exempted fishing program
to fish for small-mesh multispecies such as silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), or
K
offshore hake, among other species. This category includes all gear types.

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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 Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
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.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
Limited Access Permit Categories for Vessels Fishing in the Southern Fishery
Management Area (SFMA) – Vessels issued a limited access Category H permit are restricted to
fishing under a monkfish DAS in the monkfish SFMA.
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 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 Greater Atlantic 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.

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Page 6 of 12

 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
Greater Atlantic Fisheries 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 Greater Atlantic 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.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.

 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 Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1 Summer Flounder Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess summer flounder in the EEZ while carrying
2
passengers for hire. 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 Greater Atlantic 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
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess scup in the EEZ while carrying passengers for
2
hire. This category includes all gear types.

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 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 Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1

Black Sea Bass Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.

Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Greater Atlantic 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. This category includes all gear types.
 Mid-Atlantic Forage Fish Species / Atlantic Chub Mackerel
To fish for, land or possess Mid-Atlantic forage species (see list below) and Atlantic chub mackerel
in or from Federal waters (EEZ) from New York through North Carolina, your vessel must be issued
any of the Greater Atlantic Region fishing vessel permits. Please contact us at (978) 281-9315 if
you have any questions about the regulations for forage species.
Mid-Atlantic Forage Species include the following:

Anchovies
Greeneyes
Argentines
Halfbeaks
Atlantic saury
Lanternfish
Atlantic thread herring
Pearlsides
Cusk‐eels
Round herring
Copepods, krill, amphipods, and other species less than 1 inch as an
adult

Sand lances
Scaled sardine
Silversides
Spanish sardine
Pelagic molluscs

 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 Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1A* Longfin squid Moratorium Tier 1: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited
amounts of longfin squid. This category includes all gear types.
1B* Longfin squid Moratorium Tier 2: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 5,000 lb of
longfin squid. This category includes all gear types.
1C
Longfin squid Moratorium Tier 3: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 2,500 lb of
longfin squid. This category includes all gear types.
5*
Illex Squid Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
T1* Atlantic Mackerel Tier 1: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited amounts of
mackerel. This category includes all gear types.
T2* 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.
T3* 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.
6*
Butterfish Moratorium: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited amounts of
butterfish. This category includes all gear types.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
VMS Information
For further information on the Greater Atlantic Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Program,
please go to this link: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/vms/index.html.
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 Squid, Atlantic Mackerel, and Butterfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish Charter/Party: May fish for or possess unlimited amounts
2 of Longfin or Illex squid, mackerel or butterfish in the EEZ while carrying passengers for
hire. This category includes all gear types.
Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 250 lb of
3 Longfin squid per trip, 10,000 lb of Illex squid per trip, or 600 lb of butterfish per trip.
This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel Incidental Catch: May commercially fish for Atlantic mackerel in the
4
EEZ for up to 20,000 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.

 Atlantic Bluefish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1 Commercial: May possess or harvest Atlantic bluefish from the EEZ using any gear type.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess Atlantic bluefish from the EEZ while carrying
2
passengers for hire. This category includes all gear types.
Tilefish
Open Access Permit Categories: Includes both Blueline and Golden tilefish. Commercial
permit holders in the golden tilefish fishery wishing to exceed the incidental possession limit must
also hold an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Allocation Permit. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries
Regulations for further restrictions.
Open Access Commercial/Incidental:
Golden tilefish: May possess or land golden tilefish in or from the EEZ, north of the VA/NC
border. The commercial/incidental trip limit (for vessels that possess a Commercial /
Incidental Tilefish Permit without an IFQ Allocation Permit) is 500 lb or 50 percent, by
weight, of all fish (including the golden tilefish) onboard the vessel, whichever is less. Fish
must have head and fins attached, but may be gutted. Any vessel fishing under an IFQ
Allocation Permit is prohibited from discarding golden tilefish and all golden tilefish landed on
1
a given trip count against the IFQ Allocation Permit's quota. This category includes all gear
types.
Blueline tilefish: May possess or land blueline tilefish in or from the EEZ, north of the VA/NC
border, up to 500 lb whole weight, per trip. Fish must have head and fins attached, but may
be gutted. This category includes all gear types.
2

Open Access Charter/Party: May fish for or possess blueline or golden tilefish in the EEZ,
north of the VA/NC border, while carrying passengers for hire.

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 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
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
All Areas: Authorizes the harvest of herring in any management area, without being
A* subject to 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 of herring in any
management area during the time when the sub-ACL in the defined management area has
C*
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
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access: Authorizes the harvest of up to 6,600 lb of herring in any management area
during the time when the sub-ACL in these management areas has not been reached, with
D
a limit of one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Areas 2/3: Authorizes a vessel to possess up to 20,000 lb of herring per
trip, limited to one landing per calendar day, in or from Herring Management Areas 2 and 3.
Allowed only for vessels issued a valid limited access mackerel permit but not a limited
E*
access herring permit. A vessel may hold both the All Areas Open Access Herring Permit
(Category D) and the new Category E permit at the same time. This category includes all
gear types.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
 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
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1 General: May commercially fish for, possess, or land skate caught in or from the EEZ. This
category includes all gear types.
 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 Greater Atlantic 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
A
includes all gear types.

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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 Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations at 50 CFR 697.
Commercial Non-Trap: May harvest lobster in the EEZ. This category includes all
1
gear types 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
2
for hire. This category includes all gear types except pots and traps.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 1: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management
A1
Area 1. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have
Area1 trap gear eligibility.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 2: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management
Area 2. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have
A2
a valid historic allocation to elect this area. Includes Area 2/3 overlap.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 3: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management
Area 3. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have
A3
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. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have
A4
a valid historic allocation to elect this area.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 5: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management
Area 5. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have
A5
a valid historic allocation to elect this area.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 6: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management
Area 6. Vessel owner must possess a valid CT or NY state lobster license to be eligible
A6
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.
Must have a valid historic allocation to elect this area.

 Spiny Dogfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic 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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Page 11 of 12

--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 names, vessel characteristics, address, phone, and permit information will
be posted on a public NOAA Fisheries website or released upon request. All other data submitted
will be handled in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential
Fishery Statistics and Section 402(b) of the MSA.
OMB# 0648-0679 Expires: 3/31/2020
OMB# 0648-0202 Expires: 8/31/2019

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Page 12 of 12

March 2, 2018

Important Logbook / Trip Report Information
If your vessel is issued a permit from the Greater Atlantic Region,
you are required to complete a vessel trip report for all:
 For-Hire trips (Party/Charter)
 All commercial fishing trips
 The only exception is for vessels issued only an American lobster permit

The owner or operator of a commercial or party/charter vessel issued a permit by the Greater
Atlantic Region must submit an accurate and timely VTR for each trip, regardless of area fished,
species targeted or permit used.
These requirements also pertain to trips made in State waters fishing with State permits. The
only exception is for vessels that are issued only an American Lobster permit.

IMPORTANT ‐‐ New Requirements for Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting in For‐Hire Fisheries
Starting March 12, 2018, vessels issued a Greater Atlantic Region charter/party permit for
scup, summer flounder, butterfish, black sea bass, tilefish, bluefish, squid and Atlantic mackerel
will be required to submit electronic vessel trip reports within 48 hours for all trips carrying
passengers for hire. All other current reporting requirements remain in effect.
For more information on this requirement, please contact:
 Daniel Luers at (978) 282‐ 8457 or at [email protected]
 a GARFO port agent by searching for “GARFO port agent” in your search engine
 or go to www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing

You can find more information about NOAA‐approved eVTR software at this website.
www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing/evtr/newevtrreporting.html

Contact the Vessel Trip Reporting office at (978) 281‐9246 for any VTR questions or
visit this webpage. www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/evtr/vtr_inst.pdf

You can request a VTR logbook by calling us at (978) 281‐9246, submitting a request online
through your Fish‐On‐Line account, or by submitting a logbook request card
If your vessel is issued a permit from the Greater Atlantic Region and you are fishing outside of
it (e.g. in the Gulf of Mexico or off the coast of Florida or on the High Seas for Tuna) you are
required to submit a VTR to us regardless of where the fishing activity took place or the species
targeted. As stated above, the one exception to this is for vessels that are only permitted for
American Lobster.
If within a trip you fish in multiple chart areas, change gear or switch to a different mesh/ring
size, a separate VTR must be completed for each area, gear or mesh combination. It is
extremely important that the correct gear, species and chart area codes be used to record your
fishing activity. Incorrect or missing information impacts our processing of your VTR and can
result in us having to return it to you for correction.
To submit paper reports, send the white original (NMFS Copy) to:
NMFS
Vessel Trip Reporting Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930‐2276
Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in non‐renewal of fishing permits and
referral to the Office of Law Enforcement for appropriate action. The timely, accurate reporting
of your vessel's fishing activity on the VTR represents an integral part of the scientific
information required to achieve the goal of sustainable fisheries.
Please visit the NOAA Fisheries Service Greater Atlantic Regional Office (GARFO) online at
www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps and click on “Vessel Reporting”.
This guide contains a summary of your Vessel Trip Reporting (VTR) requirements. For more
comprehensive information please refer to the regulations at 50 CFR part 648.7 at
http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/fr.html.
Please feel free to contact the Vessel Trip Reporting office at 978‐281‐9246 for any VTR
reporting requirement questions that you may have.

National Marine Fisheries Service
Greater Atlantic Region/Permit Office
978-282-8438 or 8437
Initial/Renewal* Application for a Vessel Operator Permit

Operator cards are required for any operator of a charter/party boat and or a commercial vessel
(including carrier and processor vessels) issued a vessel permit from the Greater Atlantic Region and
possessing or fishing for Atlantic Sea Scallops, Northeast Multispecies, Spiny Dogfish, Monkfish, American
Lobster, Atlantic Herring, Atlantic Surfclam, Ocean Quahog, Maine Mahogany Quahog, Atlantic Mackerel,
Loligo Squid, Illex Squid, Butterfish, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Tilefish, Skates, Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab,
Atlantic Bluefish, in or from the EEZ and Mid-Atlantic Forage Species or Atlantic Chub Mackerel within the
EEZ from New York through North Carolina.
FIRST TIME APPLICANTS: fill in Section 1 below, sign and date the back of this application and return it to us with
one (1) passport or ID sized photo that is current and in color (see back). Please make sure your photo is taken
without sunglasses on, that it is clear and not too dark.

IF USING THIS APPLICATION AS A *RENEWAL: Fill in Section 1 below, if available, write your 8digit number on the line below, sign and date the back of this application, and return it to us (mailing
address below) with one (1) passport or ID sized photo that is current and in color (see back).
Your vessel operator number (if available):

*Preprinted renewal applications are automatically mailed to the address on file approximately 35 days prior to the
expiration date, but you may use this application to renew your permit. If you mail this application in earlier than
30 days prior to your expiration date it will not be processed until 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Please complete all sections of this application.
Incomplete applications will be processed and will be returned.
Submission of all application information is required.

Section 1
Last Name

First Name

MI_

SUFFIX*_

Mailing Address
City / ST / Zip Code
Phone Number_
Eye Color
Weight (lbs)_

*

/_
-_

-_

/_

Date of Birth

/

/

(MO/DAY/YR)

Hair Color
Height (ft/in)_

/

Jr, Sr, III, IV, etc.

Please sign and date this application in Section 2 on the back.

OMB# 0648-0202

Form Approval Expires 08/31/2019

Please enclose ONE color passport or I.D. sized photo of yourself,
which is recent and in color. Make sure your picture is taken
without sunglasses on, that it is clear and not too dark/light.
*PLACE PHOTO IN FOLDED APPLICATION
SAMPLE

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(* PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH IT TO THE APPLICATION WITH TAPE, GLUE OR STAPLES)

Section 2
I affirm that all information I have given on this application is true and correct.
Making a false statement on this application is punishable by law [18 USC
1001]. I understand that violations of Federal fisheries laws and regulations
may subject me to criminal and civil penalties including fine and/or revocation of
license. As a condition of this operator's permit, I agree that if this permit is
suspended or revoked pursuant to 15 CFR part 904, I will not be on board a
Federally permitted fishing vessel in any capacity while the vessel is at sea or
engaged in offloading.
Signature of Applicant:

Date:

Return completed applications to:
NMFS Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
Telephone: (978) 282-8438 or 8437
Permit holder name, address, phone number, and the status of the holder's permit will be released
via a NOAA 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.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining data needed, and completing and reviewing the information. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or suggestions for reducing this burden to: NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive,
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276. The purpose and use of these permits are to (1) register industry
participants and fishing vessels, (2) exercise influence over compliance, (3) provide a mailing list
for the dissemination of important information to the industry, (4) register participants to be
considered for limited entry, and (5) provide a universe for data collection samples. Both the
MSFCMA and Executive Orders 12866 et al, require the determination of this information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a
currently valid OMB Control Number.
OMB# 0648-0202

Form Approval Expires 08/31/2019

National Marine Fisheries Service / Greater Atlantic Region
Control Dates for Greater Atlantic Region Fisheries
What is a Control Date?
Date Revised: April 20, 2018
A control date is a date that may be used by a fishery management council, fisheries commission or by NOAA
Fisheries in establishing eligibility criteria for determining levels of future access to fisheries, or sectors of
fisheries. Establishing a control date does not commit the Councils, Commission, or NOAA Fisheries to develop
any particular management system or criteria for participation in these fisheries. The Councils or Commission
or NOAA may choose a different control date, or may choose to establish a management program that does
not make use of such a date.
This fact sheet is a summary of the current control dates established for fisheries in the Greater Atlantic
Region. Control dates, once established, are rarely rescinded, but new ones can be established, and older
dates are sometimes updated. The control dates below have been established and may potentially be used to
determine future participation in the fishery. In the event a limited access program is established or modified
in the future, you may wish to locate and preserve records to substantiate and verify fishery participation.
Publication of the control dates informs the fishery participants sector that the Council or NOAA Fisheries is
considering management measures in its jurisdictional area that could limit eligibility in a fishery.
Implementation of any program would require preparation of an amendment to the fishery management plan
and publication of a notice of availability and proposed rule with pertinent public comment periods.

Current Greater Atlantic Fisheries Control dates – see pg. 2 for additional species and information.
Species

Control Date

Council

Current status of management action

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/
NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Capacity Control
Scallop and
Multispecies DAS

9/10/99

NEFMC

No action currently underway.

Multispecies
charter/party

3/19/18

NEFMC

For 2018, the Council included a multi‐year priority to
scope for the development of a limited access permit
program for the charter/party fishery. As of March 19,
2018, however, it has not yet initiated an action to
control access to or participation in the fishery.

Multispecies

4/7/11

NEFMC

In December 2016, NOAA Fisheries proposed regulations
to implement Amendment 18 to the NE Multispecies
Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action includes
accumulation limits to prevent excessive consolidation
and/or excessive shares of fishing privileges, which would
be grandfathered based on the control date.

Hagfish

8/28/02

NEFMC

No action currently underway.
Page 1 of 3

Control Dates for Greater Atlantic Region Fisheries
Date Revised: April 20, 2018

Species
Whiting/
red hake/
offshore hake

Jonah crab

Control
Date
11/28/12

6/2/15

Council

Current status of management action

NEFMC

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

ASMFC

We are considering developing regulations for the Jonah crab
fishery in federal waters that may include permitting. This control
date may be used in determining historical or traditional
participation in the Jonah crab fishery.

American
lobster

11/15/17

ASMFC

Skate bait

7/30/09

NEFMC

Skate non‐
bait

3/31/14

NEFMC

Monkfish

5/9/12

NEFMC
MAFMC

Longfin
squid/
butterfish

5/16/13

MAFMC

Illex squid

8/2/13

MAFMC

Black sea
bass

6/5/01

MAFMC

This control date may be applicable, but not limited to, potential
future action by NMFS to limit the number of permits or traps a
business entity may own in Lobster conservation Management
Areas 2 and 3, or in any other lobster conservation management
area.
The Council’s list of priorities includes the preparation of an
amendment to consider limited access in the skate fishery. In early
2017, the Council published a Scoping Document for Amendment
5 to the Northeast Skate Complex FMP and conducted a number
of public scoping meetings. The intent of Amendment 5 is to
consider adopting limited access in the skate fisheries to prevent
unrestrained increases in fishing effort by new entrants to the
fishery. Further action on Amendment 5 has been delayed as the
Council has worked on other Framework Amendments for the
skate fishery.
Amendment 6 to the Monkfish FMP is under development by the
councils and may include additional measures, such as catch shares,
that rely on a control date to determine eligibility or degree of
participation in the fishery.
The Council is developing a squid capacity amendment primarily
to reduce the capacities of the longfin squid and Illex squid fleets.
The Council is considering this action because there is
considerable latent capacity in both fisheries ‐ a small portion of
vessels with limited access squid permits account for the majority
of landings in most years, and the Council is concerned that
activation of latent capacity in the squid fisheries could lead to
excessive fishing effort and increased catch of non‐target species.
For information about this amendment, please see:
http://www.mafmc.org/actions/squid‐capacity‐amendment
Would have established different classes of permits for the
fishery; considered in Amendment 13 to the Summer Flounder,
Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP but not adopted by Council.

Page 2 of 3

Control Dates for Greater Atlantic Region Fisheries
Date Revised: April 20, 2018

Species

Control
Date

Council

Blueline
tilefish

12/14/15

MAFMC

Summer
flounder

8/1/14

MAMFC

Current status of management action
The Council may consider an action to limit the number of
participants in the fishery in the future. The control date applies to
any commercial fisherman or party/charter vessel owner who has
caught blueline tilefish north of the VA/NC border.
This control date is for potential use in the development of
federal permit requalification alternatives, as part of an ongoing
summer flounder amendment. For more information on this
amendment, please see: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/summer‐
flounder‐amendment

For further information, please contact us or the appropriate fishery management council or commission:

New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC)
On the web: www.nefmc.org
Telephone: 978‐465‐0492

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

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC)
On the web: www.asmfc.org
Telephone: 703‐842‐0740

National Marine Fisheries Service
On the web: www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov
Telephone: 978‐281‐9315

Page 3 of 3