Fishing Vessel Trip Reports

Greater Atlantic Region Logbook Family of Forms

eVTR Reporting Instructions 15 Oct 2021

Fishing Vessel Trip Reports

OMB: 0648-0212

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report
(eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Change Log
Table 1: Change Log
Date

Description

N/A

Added change log.

N/A

Added page numbers

N/A

Added definitions for ‘fishing’ and ‘fishing trip’ in Defining Fishing Trip Activity That Requires
an eVTR.

N/A

Added language seeking to clarify “reporting period” and “submission deadline” in eVTR
Requirements by Vessel Permit Type.

N/A

Added Squid\Mackerel\Butterfish to listing of permits that are required to submit their eVTR’s
on a weekly basis in eVTR Requirements by Vessel Permit Type.

N/A

Changed ‘Multiple Chart Area Trips’ to ‘Multiple Chart Area Fished Trips’ 1

1 Jan 2015

Modified ‘Multiple Chart Area Fished Trips’ to reflect that the chart area is now determined by
haul back location. 2

N/A

# of Crew: Added text “If you intend to fish under a RSA\EFP for any portion of a trip you
must check the RSA\EFP box.” 3

N/A

# of Crew: Added “If you have an Observer onboard do not include them in the crew count.”

1 Jan 2015

Removed codes LLO and CAR. Added codes OTT, DTC & DTS in Table 4: Trawl Gear Codes

1 Jan 2015

Mesh/ Ring Size: Add “mesh size” to the sentence “If more than one mesh/ring size was
used in a haul (for example, multiple mesh sizes in a string of gillnets), enter the average
per haul.” So that it reads: “If more than one mesh/ring size was used in a haul (for
example, multiple mesh sizes in a string of gillnets), enter the average mesh size per haul.”

1 Jan 2015

Tow/Soak Time — Removed “total estimated” from sentence “Enter the total estimated
amount of time fishing (hours and minutes).” So that it now reads: “Enter the amount of
time fishing (hours and minutes).”

1 Jan 2015

Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type Tables: Added “(Hours: Minutes)” to Tow\Soak Time
for all gear.

1 Jan 2015

Species Codes Table: Removed codes SKATE, SKATEW, SKSMALL and SKLARGE. Table 26:
Species Codes for Skates

Obsolete heading names
Heading name subsequently changed to How to Report When You Fish in More than
One Chart Area
3
This Change Log entry is obsolete (noted 10/01/2020); RSA is no longer relevant.
1
2

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Date

Description

1 Jan 2015

Broke out single question regarding ‘No Effort’ trips into three separate questions 4.

1 Jan 2015

Question 3 – We no longer require the reason for terminating a trip aside from writing ‘No
Effort’ on the lower portion of the eVTR 5.

N/A

Added a separate question and answer for “Do I have to give my eVTR serial number to the
dealer(s) that I sold my catch to?” 6

17 Apr 2017

Added codes for Hermit and Lady crabs to Table 33: Species Codes for Shellfish.

17 Apr 2017

Added codes in Table 26: Species Codes for Skates for skates heads and racks. These codes
apply to all skate species.

28 Jun 2017

Species added to Species Tables.

21 Sep 2017

Forage species added to Species Tables.

21 Sep 2017

Added TTS gear code to Table 4: Trawl Gear Codes

23 Feb 2018

Added ‘Recreational’ to # of Anglers and # of Crew guidance

23 Feb 2018

Table 16: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Rod & Reel / Handline, changed
“Number of hooks per line” to “Average number of hooks per line”

12 Mar 2018

Row added to eVTR Requirements by Vessel Permit Type describing the new Party & Charter
reporting requirements.

4 May 2018

Added 21 additional species to the Species Codes Tables at the request of Matt Seeley with
the MAFMC.

4 May 2018

Offloading Port or Landing Port – Removed redundant text

4 May 2018

Discarded – Added note instructing that when reporting lobster discards only those lobsters
that are dead should be annotated under discards.

4
5
6

4 Nov 2019

Amended hyperlink and text in the cover page.

4 Nov 2019

Turtles category amended to Sea Turtles in Table 35: Species Codes for Sea Turtles.

4 Nov 2019

Added 2 RAY species under Other category in Table 32: Species Codes for Other

12 Nov 2019

Added Jonah Crab Claws to Table 33: Species Codes for Shellfish

21 Nov 2019

Reformatted table, added OBP Gear Code to Table 4: Trawl Gear Codes.

Obsolete
Question has since changed
Obsolete

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Date
21 Nov 2019

Description
Split out Longfin Squid and Butterfish Permit Types in Table 2: eVTR Requirements by Vessel
Permit Type.

10 Dec 2019

Amended date in cover page

10 Dec 2019

Added Fish Online option for ordering eVTRs 7

07 Jan 2020

Converted document format

21 Jan 2020

Fixed in-text references to range of Gear Types Tables

16 Jul 2020

Fixed Dredge gear code DSC to be DREDGE, SCALLOP, STANDARD W/CHAIN MAT in Table 5:
Dredge Gear Codes.

25 Aug 2021

Changed “Herring Carrier Vessel” to “Carrier Vessel” in No eVTR Required.

25 Aug 2021

Changed "WHELK, CANNELED" to "WHELK, CHANNELED" in Table 33: Species Codes for
Shellfish

15 Oct 2021

7

Revised content of entire guide to reflect electronic-reporting-only content.

Obsolete

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Contents
Overview................................................................................................................................................ 9
eVTR Requirements by Vessel Permit Type ................................................................................... 9
Defining Fishing Trip Activity That Requires an eVTR ................................................................... 9
Reporting Under Specific Circumstances ..................................................................................... 10
No Fish Caught or No Fish Onboard ........................................................................................ 10
No eVTR Required ..................................................................................................................... 10
When to Complete and Submit More Than One eVTR Effort................................................ 10
How to Report When You Fish in More than One Chart Area............................................... 11
Protected Species .......................................................................................................................... 11
Privacy Act Statement ................................................................................................................... 12
Filling Out the eVTR ............................................................................................................................ 13
eVTR Fields .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Vessel Name, USCG Documentation or State Registration, NMFS Vessel Permit Number .....13
Date and Time Sailed ..................................................................................................................... 13
Date and Time Landed................................................................................................................... 13
Trip Type ......................................................................................................................................... 14
# of Crew ........................................................................................................................................ 14
# of Anglers .................................................................................................................................... 14
Gear Code ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Mesh/ Ring Size .............................................................................................................................. 17
Gear Quantity ................................................................................................................................. 18
Gear Size ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Fishing Depth ................................................................................................................................. 18
Number of Hauls ............................................................................................................................ 18
Chart Area ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Latitude........................................................................................................................................... 19
Longitude ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Tow/Soak Time .............................................................................................................................. 20
Species Code .................................................................................................................................. 25
Kept ................................................................................................................................................. 25
Discarded ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Dealer Information ........................................................................................................................ 26
Date Sold ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Offloading Port or Landing Port .................................................................................................... 26
Species Codes By Category ................................................................................................................ 27
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .................................................................................................. 38
Chart Areas .......................................................................................................................................... 39

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

List of Figures
Figure 1: Gulf of Maine Chart Areas .................................................................................................. 40
Figure 2: Georges Bank Chart Areas .................................................................................................. 41
Figure 3: Southern New England Chart Areas .................................................................................. 42
Figure 4: Mid-Atlantic Chart Areas .................................................................................................... 43
Figure 5: Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay Chart Areas .......................................................... 44
Figure 6: Rhode Island Sound Cape Cod and Islands Chart Areas ................................................... 45
Figure 7: Long Island Sound and New York Chart Areas .................................................................. 46
Figure 8: Cape Hatteras and U. S. Southern Atlantic Chart Areas ................................................... 47

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

List of Tables
Table 1: Change Log .............................................................................................................................. 2
Table 2: eVTR Requirements by Vessel Permit Type .......................................................................... 9
Table 3: Converting 12-Hour Time to 24-Hour Time ........................................................................ 14
Table 4: Trawl Gear Codes ................................................................................................................. 15
Table 5: Dredge Gear Codes............................................................................................................... 16
Table 6: Pot and Trap Gear Codes ..................................................................................................... 16
Table 7: Gillnet Gear Codes ................................................................................................................ 17
Table 8: Hook and Line Gear Codes ................................................................................................... 17
Table 9: Other Gear Codes ................................................................................................................. 17
Table 10: Position to Report by Gear Type ....................................................................................... 19
Table 11: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Trawl ............................................................. 21
Table 12: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Dredge .......................................................... 21
Table 13: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Gillnet ........................................................... 21
Table 14: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Pots ............................................................... 22
Table 15: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Seines............................................................ 22
Table 16: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Rod & Reel / Handline ................................. 22
Table 17: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Diving ............................................................ 23
Table 18: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Longline ........................................................ 23
Table 19: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Harpoon........................................................ 23
Table 20: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Cast Net ........................................................ 24
Table 21: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Traps ............................................................. 24
Table 22: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Hand Rake .................................................... 24
Table 23: Dealer Codes ....................................................................................................................... 26
Table 24: Species Codes for Groundfish............................................................................................ 27
Table 25: Species Codes for Flounders .............................................................................................. 28
Table 26: Species Codes for Skates.................................................................................................... 28
Table 27: Species Codes for Pelagics ................................................................................................. 29
Table 28: Species Codes for Other Finfish (Northern) ..................................................................... 30
Table 29: Species Codes for Other Finfish (Southern) ..................................................................... 32
Table 30: Species Codes for Tuna ...................................................................................................... 34
Table 31: Species Codes for Sharks ................................................................................................... 34
Table 32: Species Codes for Other..................................................................................................... 35
Table 33: Species Codes for Shellfish ................................................................................................ 36
Table 34: Species Codes for Invertebrates........................................................................................ 37
Table 35: Species Codes for Sea Turtles ............................................................................................ 38

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Overview
This guide provides the information that you need to satisfy the reporting requirements for
fishing in the Greater Atlantic Region under a Federal permit.
NOTE: For general questions about Vessel Trip Reporting, please call (978) 281-9246. For eVTR
assistance, call (978) 281-9188 or email [email protected].

eVTR Requirements by Vessel Permit Type
Table 2 provides information about the reporting requirements for each type of fishing permit
in the Greater Atlantic Region.
Table 2: eVTR Requirements by Vessel Permit Type
Permit Type

Required Frequency of Reporting

Party or Charter permit for: Summer Flounder, Scup,
Black Sea Bass, Atlantic Bluefish, Atlantic Mackerel /
Squid / Butterfish, Tilefish

All eVTRs must be electronically submitted within 48
hours of landing for all trip types (commercial, party,
charter, and recreational). regardless of permit type
or species targeted.

Permit for: Atlantic Herring, Atlantic Mackerel / Squid

All eVTRs must be electronically submitted within 48

/ Butterfish, Northeast Multispecies, Atlantic Surfclam

hours of landing for all trip types (commercial, party,

and Ocean Quahog

charter, and recreational). regardless of permit type
or species targeted.

Permit for: Atlantic Bluefish, Atlantic Deep-Sea Red

All eVTRs must be electronically submitted within 48

Crab, Atlantic Sea Scallop, Black Sea Bass, Monkfish,

hours of landing for all trip types (commercial, party,

Northeast Skate, Scup, Spiny Dogfish, Summer

charter, and recreational). regardless of permit type

Flounder, Tilefish

or species targeted.

Permit for: American Lobster and no other Greater

No requirement to submit trips reports (check with

Atlantic Region vessel permit

your state, which may require reporting)

Defining Fishing Trip Activity That Requires an eVTR
If your vessel is issued any of the fishery permits with reporting requirements shown in Table 2,
you are required to complete an eVTR for every fishing trip, whether the vessel is fishing in
state or federal waters, or in another region of the country, such as Gulf of Mexico. This is true
for all trips, no matter what species is being fished for or caught; preparing to catch or harvest
fish, or attempting to catch or harvest fish, must be reported even if no landings are made.
Having an observer or at-sea monitor on board during a trip does not relieve you from this
requirement.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

NOTE: The trip is the period of time during which these activities are conducted, beginning
when the vessel leaves port and ending when the vessel returns to port.

Reporting Under Specific Circumstances
Read this section to understand how specific circumstances can affect eVTR reporting.
No Fish Caught or No Fish Onboard
You are required to report fishing trips even if no fish are caught or onboard if the following
events occur:
•

If you begin a fishing trip, but must return to port before setting or retrieving gear because
of issues like bad weather or a mechanical problem, you must complete an eVTR. Provide
Sail and Land information, trip category, number of crew (and anglers if necessary) and
provide your reason for returning to port. For further guidance, refer to your eVTR
instructions.

•

If you make a fishing trip to set gear, you must complete an eVTR. Provide Sail and Land
information, trip category, number of crew and indicate this was a Set Gear trip. For further
guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.

•

If you make a fishing trip and do not catch any fish, you must complete an eVTR. Provide all
trip and effort information, then enter No Catch or NC into the Species Code field. For
further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.

No eVTR Required
There are several instances where an eVTR isn't required for a trip:
•

If you are transiting without any product onboard and don't engage in any fishing activity.
For example, you're moving your vessel to a shipyard or you're returning to your home port.

•

If you are operating under a scientific Letter of Acknowledgement (LOA)

•

If you are operating as a Carrier Vessel.

When to Complete and Submit More Than One eVTR Effort
You must complete a new effort each time you change fishing area, gear or mesh / ring. This
means a new effort is required each time you do the following:
•

Change the chart area (inshore or offshore) in which you are fishing.

•

Change the type of gear you are using.

•

Change the mesh size or ring size in the gear you are using.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

How to Report When You Fish in More than One Chart Area
If your fishing activity occurs in more than one chart area, you must submit a new eVTR effort
for each chart area where you started to haul back or retrieve gear. If your tow or the
placement of your fixed gear (for example, gillnets) crosses chart area boundaries, the area you
report must be the area you were in when you started to retrieve or haul back your gear.
For the gear types shown in the Gear Code tables in this document (Table 4: Trawl Gear Codes,
Table 5: Dredge Gear Codes, Table 6: Pot and Trap Gear Codes, Table 7: Gillnet Gear Codes,
Table 8: Hook and Line Gear Codes, and Table 9: Other Gear Codes), this means the following:
•

For mobile gear (trawl gears and dredges), you report the area where the haulback occurs.

•

For fixed gear (gillnets, longline, pots, traps, and weirs) you report the area where the
hauling equipment is put into gear or retrieval of one end of the set begins.

•

For purse seine gear, and other seine gears, you report the area where the skiff hits the
water upon setting the gear, or when the first piece of gear hits the water, whichever
occurs first.

For handline, rod and reel, and the gears listed as Other Gear Codes (Table 9), you report
the area where the gear is completely retrieved and aboard the vessel.
For example, if you start a tow in chart area 522, start hauling back in area 525, and land 100
pounds of monkfish, then all the catch from this tow would be reported in chart area 525.
•

Protected Species
You must report all species caught (both kept and discarded), including protected species. To
report sea turtles or ESA-listed fish species (for example, Atlantic salmon, sturgeon, giant manta
rays, oceanic whitetip sharks) incidentally caught, injured, or killed, enter the species code for
each turtle or fish in the Species Code field of the eVTR. Tables of ESA-listed species in the
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can be found at the Endangered and Threatened Species in the New
England/Mid-Atlantic Region web site. Enter the actual number (count) of sea turtles or listed
fish caught in the Discards field.
When an incidental mortality or injury of a marine mammal (seals, dolphins, porpoises, and
whales) occurs during commercial fishing activities, you must fill out and return the Marine
Mammal Authorization Program Mortality & Injury Reporting Form within 48 hours of returning
from the trip on which the incident occurred. You may obtain additional information, including
a reporting form, by visiting the Marine Mammal Authorization Program web site or by calling
(978) 281-9328.
The National Marine Fisheries Service requires vessel trip information for the conservation and
management of marine fishery resources in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act.
The data reported will be used to develop, implement, and monitor fishery management
strategies and for a variety of other uses. Submission is mandatory for those persons falling
under the requirements of 50 CFR 648.7 (b). All data submitted will be handled as Confidential
material in accordance with NOAA Administrative Orders. Public reporting burden for the
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survey is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to NOAA Fisheries, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
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. This information can be found on the web
page Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting Software Options.

Privacy Act Statement
Authority: The collection of this information is authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C 1801 et seq.
Purpose: The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that conservation and management measures
must prevent over fishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from each
fishery. Vessel logbooks are essential tools in the management of fishery resources. Section
303(a)(5) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act specifically identifies the kinds of data to be collected
for fishery management plans (FMPs).
Routine Uses: The Department will use this information for effective fishery management.
Disclosure of this information is permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section
552a), to be shared within NMFS offices, in order to coordinate monitoring and management of
sustainability of fisheries and protected resources, as well as with the applicable State or
Regional Marine Fisheries Commissions and International Organizations.
Disclosure of this information is also subject to all of the published routine uses as identified in
the COMMERCE/NOAA-6, Fishermen's Statistical Data.
Disclosure: Submission is mandatory for those persons falling under the requirements of 50 CFR
648.7 (b). If the information is not provided, permit status may be affected.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Filling Out the eVTR
Each eVTR application functions differently but generally collects the same trip information.
For detailed instructions on submitting eVTRs through GARFO’s Fish Online eVTR applications,
refer to the following web pages on the GARFO web site that are appropriate for your
operations:
•

How to Complete a For-hire eVTR Using Fish Online eVTR App for iOS

•

How to Complete a Commercial eVTR Using Fish Online eVTR App for iOS

•

How to Complete a Private Recreational eVTR Using Fish Online eVTR App for iOS

•

How to Complete a Commercial eVTR Using Fish Online eVTR Web App

•

How to Complete a For-hire eVTR Using Fish Online eVTR Web App

• How to Complete a Private Recreational eVTR Using Fish Online eVTR Web App
For an overview of the eVTR app and software options available to you for Vessel Trip
Reporting, refer to the following web page:
•

Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting Software Options

eVTR Fields
Different eVTR apps collect the same core information, but those apps do not function
identically. Each app collects additional information, and field names can differ. This section
provides the core fields that are collected by eVTR applications and also provides a definition
for each of these fields.
NOTE: You must correctly complete all fields on the eVTR or else the system will not accept the
eVTR; you will have to correct any mistakes before you can successfully submit the eVTR .

Vessel Name, USCG Documentation or State Registration, NMFS Vessel Permit
Number
If required by your eVTR application, select or enter your vessel name or NMFS Vessel Permit
Number.

Date and Time Sailed
Enter the month, day, year and time you sailed as requested by your eVTR application. If your
eVTR application requests 24-hour (military) time, refer to Table 3.

Date and Time Landed
Enter the month, day, year and time you arrived in port. If your eVTR application requests 24hour (military) time, refer to Table 3.

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Table 3: Converting 12-Hour Time to 24-Hour Time
Midnight to Noon Conversion

Noon to Midnight Conversions

12:00 AM = 00:00 (Midnight)

12:00 PM = 12:00 (Noon)

1:00 AM = 01:00

1:00 PM = 13:00

2:00 AM = 02:00

2:00 PM = 14:00

3:00 AM = 03:00

3:00 PM = 15:00

4:00 AM = 04:00

4:00 PM = 16:00

5:00 AM = 05:00

5:00 PM = 17:00

6:00 AM = 06:00

6:00 PM = 18:00

7:00 AM = 07:00

7:00 PM = 19:00

8:00 AM = 08:00

8:00 PM = 20:00

9:00 AM = 09:00

9:00 PM = 21:00

10:00 AM = 10:00

10:00 PM = 22:00

11:00 AM = 11:00

11:00 PM = 23:00

Trip Type
Enter trip type as Commercial, Recreational, Party or Charter (or Headboat, depending on the
eVTR application used).

# of Crew
Enter the total number of crew members including the captain. If you have an Observer
onboard do not include them in the crew count. Party or Charter vessels should include all crew
members or employees on board for the trip.

# of Anglers
For party, charter, or recreational trips only: enter the total number of anglers, excluding the
vessel's crew.

Gear Code
For the fishing gear you used, select the appropriate gear code in your eVTR application. If the
appropriate gear code is not provided in your eVTR application, please contact your eVTR
vendor. For reference, the following gear codes in Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, Table 8,
and Table 9 are used by GARFO’s Fish Online eVTR applications.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

NOTE: You must complete a new Effort each time you change fishing gears during a trip. For
further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.
Table 4: Trawl Gear Codes
Gear Code

Gear Description

OBP

OTTER TRAWL, LARGE MESH BELLY PANEL

OHS

OTTER TRAWL, HADDOCK SEPARATOR

OTB

OTTER TRAWL, BEAM

OTC

OTTER TRAWL, BOTTOM, SCALLOP

OTF

OTTER TRAWL, BOTTOM, FISH

OTM

OTTER TRAWL, MIDWATER

OTO

OTTER TRAWL, BOTTOM, OTHER

OTR

OTTER TRAWL, RUHLE

OTS

OTTER TRAWL, BOTTOM, SHRIMP

OTT

OTTER TRAWL, BOTTOM, FISH, JOINED (TWIN TRAWL)

TTS

OTTER TRAWL, BOTTOM, SHRIMP, JOINED (TWIN TRAWL)

PTM

PAIR TRAWL, MIDWATER

PTB

PAIR TRAWL, BOTTOM

PUR

SEINE, PURSE

SED

SEINE, DANISH

SEH

SEINE, HAUL

SES

SEINE, SCOTTISH

STS

SEINE, STOP

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Table 5: Dredge Gear Codes
Gear Code

Gear Description

DRC

DREDGE, OCEAN QUAHOG/SURF CLAM

DRM

DREDGE, MUSSEL

DRO

DREDGE, OTHER

DRS

DREDGE, SCALLOP, STANDARD

DSC

DREDGE, SCALLOP, STANDARD W/CHAIN MAT

DTS

DREDGE, SCALLOP, TURTLE DEFLECTOR

DTC

DREDGE, SCALLOP, TURTLE DEFLECTOR W/CHAIN MAT

DRU

DREDGE, URCHIN

Table 6: Pot and Trap Gear Codes
Gear Code

Gear Description

PTC

POT, CRAB

PTE

POT, EEL

PTF

POT,FISH

PTH

POT, HAG

PTL

POT, LOBSTER

PTO

POT, OTHER

PTS

POT, SHRIMP

PTW

POT, CONCH/WHELK

PTX

POTS, MIXED

TRP

TRAP

WEI

WEIR

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Table 7: Gillnet Gear Codes
Gear Code

Gear Description

GND

GILL NET, DRIFT, LARGE MESH

GNO

GILL NET, OTHER

GNR

GILL NET, RUNAROUND

GNS

GILL NET, SINK

GNT

GILL NET, DRIFT, SMALL MESH

Table 8: Hook and Line Gear Codes
Gear Code

Gear Description

LLB

LONGLINE, BOTTOM

LLP

LONGLINE, PELAGIC

HND

HAND LINE/ROD & REEL

Table 9: Other Gear Codes
Gear Code

Gear Description

CST

CAST

DIV

DIVING GEAR

FYK

FYKE NET

HRP

HARPOON

MIX

MIXED GEAR

RAK

HAND RAKE

OTH

OTHER GEAR

Mesh/ Ring Size
Enter mesh/ring size of the gear being fished. Use the definitions in the Fishing Effort
Information by Gear Type tables (Table 11 through Table 22 in this document). If more than
one mesh/ring size was used in a haul (for example, multiple mesh sizes in a string of
gillnets), enter the average mesh size per haul.
NOTE: You must complete a new Effort each time you change mesh/ring sizes during a trip.
For further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Gear Quantity
Enter the quantity of gear being fished per haul. Use the definitions in the Fishing Effort
Information by Gear Type tables (Table 11 through Table 22 in this document). If more than
one of this gear type was used during the trip, enter the average quantity of gear per haul.

Gear Size
Enter the size of gear being fished using the definitions in the Fishing Effort Information by
Gear Type tables (Table 11 through Table 22 in this document).

Fishing Depth
Enter the average depth as requested by your eVTR application.

Number of Hauls
Enter the total number of tows, sets, or strings you hauled as appropriate for your gear
using the Fishing Effort Information by the Gear Type tables (Table 11 through Table 22 in
this document).

Chart Area
If required by your eVTR application, enter the three-digit chart area fished. If you’re not sure
of the appropriate chart area, charts are supplied in Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure
5, Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8 at the back of this document.
Area fished may be an offshore area (indicated by bold font in the charts) or an inshore area
(indicated by small font in the charts). For each area (inshore or offshore) where the start of
haul back occurred during a trip, a separate eVTR effort for each area must be completed using
the three-digit code from the appropriate chart.
For instance, if nine of your tows ended in one area you would report this area on your eVTR. If
on the tenth tow you crossed into a new area and started hauling back in that area, you would
complete a separate Effort for that tow; any change in gear type, mesh/ring size or chart area
requires documenting a separate Effort for that trip.
•

If you're fishing north of 35 degrees latitude and east of the demarcated area boundaries,
enter 899.

•

If you're south of 35 degrees latitude and east of the demarcated area boundaries, enter
799.

•
•

If you are fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, enter 798.
If fishing in the areas found on the inshore charts for MA, RI, CT, and NY state waters (Figure
3, Figure 4, Figure 5), use the inshore code (small font) when appropriate. For example, if
you're fishing just off of the tip of Cape Ann (Figure 3) you would report area 116. Likewise,
if you are fishing just off of New Haven in Long Island Sound (Figure 5) you would report
area 143.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

•

Catch should be reported based upon the chart area (and corresponding eVTR) where the
start of your haul back occurred.
o For mobile gear (trawls and dredges), this is when the hauling equipment is put into
gear with the intention of hauling back and retrieval of net/dredge begins.
o For fixed gear (gillnets, longline, pots, traps, and weirs), this is when the hauling
equipment is put into gear or retrieval of one end of the set begins.
o For purse seine gear, and other seines, this is when the skiff hits the water upon setting
the gear, or the first piece of gear hits the water, whichever occurs first.
o For all other gears (handline, rod and reel, and the gears listed in Table 9 as Other), you
report the area where the gear is completely retrieved and aboard the vessel.

Latitude
If required by your eVTR application, enter the latitude where the majority of your haulbacks or fishing efforts occurred.

Longitude
If required by your eVTR application, enter the longitude where the majority of your haulbacks or fishing efforts occurred. The Position to Report by Gear Type Table (Table 10 )
defines, by gear type, the position to report for the "majority of fishing effort".
Table 10: Position to Report by Gear Type
Gear Type

Reporting Position

Trawl

Location of the start of haul back for the longest tow

Dredge

Location of the start of haul back for the longest tow

Gillnet

Location of the start of haul back for the string with the most panels

Pots

Location of the start of haul back for the string with the most pots

Seines

Location of the start of haul back for the longest soak

Rod & Reel /
Hand Line

Location of the majority of casts (or if drifting, where the first cast of the drift occurred)

Diving

Location where the last dive ended

Longline

Location of the start of haul back for the longest line

Harpoon

Location of the majority of casts (or if drifting, where the first cast of the drift occurred)

Cast Net

Location of the majority of casts (or if drifting, where the first cast of the drift occurred)

Traps

Location of the start of haul back for the string with the most traps

Hand Rake

Location where the majority of raking occurred

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Tow/Soak Time
Enter the Tow/Soak Time based on the gear used.
o For Mobile Gear (trawl, dredges, etc.), enter the average amount of time per tow which
is defined as the time the gear is completely hooked up to when the gear is completely
hauled back.
o For Fixed Gear (gill nets, long lines, pots, etc.), enter the average time that the gear
soaked which is defined as starting when the first piece of gear is deployed and ending
when the last piece of gear is hauled back.
o For Seines, enter the average soak time per haul
o For Rod & Reel / Hand Line, enter the total amount of time the lines were actually
fishing.
o For Harpoon, enter the total amount of time spent searching for targeted species.
o For Diving, enter the dive time.
The Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type tables (Table 11 through Table 22 ) immediately
following summarize how mesh/ring size, gear quantity, gear size, number of hauls and
tow/soak time should be entered for different gear types.
•

NOTE: Some apps may collect gear quantity even if GARFO does not require it.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Table 11: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Trawl
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Smallest mesh size used in Cod end or liner

Gear Quantity

Number of individual trawls being towed at one time

Gear Size

Sweep (foot rope) length in feet

Number of Hauls

Number of tows hauled per trip

Tow/Soak Time

Average tow time per haul (hours : minutes)

Table 12: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Dredge
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Ring size

Gear Quantity

Number of individual dredges being towed at one time

Gear Size

Dredge width in inches

Number of Hauls

Number of tows hauled per trip

Tow/Soak Time

Average tow time per haul (hours : minutes)

Table 13: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Gillnet
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Mesh size

Gear Quantity

Average number of nets per string

Gear Size

Average length of the nets used in a string (not the entire string)

Number of Hauls

Total number of strings hauled per trip (For example, a string 3000 feet in total
length would typically consist of 10 nets (Gear Quantity) with an average length of
300 feet [Gear Size]).

Tow/Soak Time

Last Modified on: 10/15/2021

Average soak time per haul (hours : minutes)

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Table 14: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Pots
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Entrance (ring, hoop) size

Gear Quantity

Average number of pots per string

Gear Size

Total number of pots in the water

Number of Hauls

Total number of strings hauled per trip

Tow/Soak Time

Average soak time per haul (hours : minutes)

Table 15: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Seines
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Mesh size

Gear Quantity

Number of nets

Gear Size

Length of head rope in feet

Number of Hauls

Number of seines hauled per trip

Tow/Soak Time

Average soak time per haul (hours : minutes)

Table 16: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Rod & Reel / Handline
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size



Gear Quantity

Average number of hooks per line

Gear Size



Number of Hauls



Tow/Soak Time

Enter total amount of time the lines were fishing

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Table 17: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Diving
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size



Gear Quantity



Gear Size



Number of Hauls



Tow/Soak Time

Dive time (hours : minutes)

Table 18: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Longline
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size



Gear Quantity

Number of hooks per line

Gear Size

Main line length to the nearest tenth of a nautical mile (for example, 1.5)

Number of Hauls

Number of sets hauled

Tow/Soak Time

Average soak time per haul (hours : minutes)

Table 19: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Harpoon
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size



Gear Quantity

Number of harpoons

Gear Size



Number of Hauls

Number of throws

Tow/Soak Time

Total amount of time spent searching for targeted species (hours : minutes)

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Table 20: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Cast Net
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Mesh size

Gear Quantity



Gear Size

Average radius of net(s)

Number of Hauls

Number of hauls

Tow/Soak Time

Total amount of time spent searching for targeted species (hours : minutes)

Table 21: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Traps
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size

Mesh size of crib

Gear Quantity

Number of traps

Gear Size

Length of leader (feet)

Number of Hauls

number of sets lifted

Tow/Soak Time

Average soak time per haul (hours : minutes)

Table 22: Fishing Effort Information by Gear Type = Hand Rake
Reporting Field

Description

Mesh/Ring Size



Gear Quantity



Gear Size



Number of Hauls



Tow/Soak Time

Total time spent fishing (hours : minutes)

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Species Code
Enter the species or species code for each species caught. You can find the species codes in the
section Species Codes By Category. If species were caught that are not provided in your eVTR
app, please contact the app vendor for assistance.
NOTE: Species codes, units of measure, etc., may vary from those provided in the tables in the
section Species Codes By Category, depending on the eVTR application being used.

Kept
•

Commercial Trips
Enter the hail weight (in pounds) of each species in the Kept field. Groundfish catch
retained for home consumption should have its fillet weight entered.

•

Recreational Trips
Enter the count for each species in the Kept field.

•

Party & Charter Trips
Enter the count for each species in the Kept field.

Discarded
•

Commercial Trips
Enter the hail weight (in pounds) of each species in the Discarded field.

•

Recreational Trips
Enter the count of each species in the Discarded field.

•

Party & Charter Trips
Enter the count of each species in the Discarded field.

NOTE: In the case of lobsters, only those that are dead should be annotated under Discards.

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Dealer Information
Select or enter the federally permitted dealer purchasing your catch. If catch is not sold to a
federally permitted dealer, enter the appropriate dealer code listed in Table 23: Dealer Codes.
Table 23: Dealer Codes
Dealer Code

Definition

1

Seized for Violations

2

Sold to another vessel for bait or retained as bait

4

Retained for future sale

5

Sold to a non-Federal dealer (non-Federally regulated species only)

6

Sub legal catch landed for research

7

Legal catch landed for research (EFP trips only)

8

Landed, unmarketable catch (LUMF)

99998

Used for home consumption

Date Sold
Select or enter the month, day and year that each species of your catch was sold.

Offloading Port or Landing Port
For commercial trips, enter the port where each species was physically offloaded. For Party,
Charter or Recreational trips, enter the port where the trip ended or landed.

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Species Codes By Category
Use this section to locate the alphabetic species codes by category (for example, groundfish or
pelagics). Enter the species code into the Species Code field of your eVTR application.
NOTE: Species codes, units of measure, etc., may vary from those provided in the Species Codes
tables, depending on the eVTR application being used. If you catch species that are not
provided in your eVTR app, please contact the app vendor for assistance.
Table 24: Species Codes for Groundfish
Species Code

Species Name

COD

COD

CUSK

CUSK

HADD

HADDOCK

RHAK

HAKE, RED/LING

SHAK

HAKE, SILVER/WHITING

SPHAK

HAKE, SPOTTED

WHAK

HAKE, WHITE

MONK

MONKFISH/ANGLERFISH/GOOSEFISH

MONKH

MONK HEADS

MONKL

MONK LIVERS

MONKT

MONK TAILS

POUT

OCEAN POUT

POLL

POLLOCK

RED

REDFISH/OCEAN PERCH

CAT

WOLFISH/OCEAN CATFISH

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Table 25: Species Codes for Flounders
Species Code

Species Name

FLDAB

AMERICAN PLAICE/DAB

FLFSP

FOURSPOT

FLSD

SAND-DAB/WINDOWPANE/BRILL

FLSOU

SOUTHERN

FLUKE

SUMMER/FLUKE

FLBB

WINTER/BLACKBACK

FLGS

WITCH/GRAY SOLE

FLYT

YELLOWTAIL

HAL

HALIBUT, ATLANTIC

HALG

HALIBUT, GREENLAND

Table 26: Species Codes for Skates
Species Code

Species Name

SKHEAD

SKATE,HEAD

SKRACK

SKATE,RACK

SKBARN

SKATE,BARNDOOR

SKCL

SKATE, CLEARNOSE

SKL

SKATE,LITTLE (SUMMER)

SKLWIN

SKATE, LITTLE/WINNER

SKROSE

SKATE, ROSETTE

SKSM

SKATE, SMOOTH

SKTHOR

SKATE, THORNY

SKWIN

SKATE, WINTER

SKBARNW

SKATE WINGS, BARNDOOR

SKCLW

SKATE WINGS, CLEARNOSE

SKLW

SKATE WINGS, LITTLE(SUMMER)

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Species Code

Species Name

SKLWINW

SKATE WINGS, LITTLE/WINTER

SKROSEW

SKATE WINGS, ROSETTE

SKSMW

SKATE WINGS, SMOOTH

SKTHORW

SKATE WINGS, THORNY

SKHEAD

SKATE,HEAD

Table 27: Species Codes for Pelagics
Species Code

Species Name

ALWF

ALEWIFE

ANCH

ANCHOVY

HERR

HERRING, ATLANTIC

HRAT

HERRING, ATLANTIC THREAD

HRBB

HERRING, BLUE BACK

HRRD

HERRING, ROUND

MEN

MENHADEN

HSNS

HERRING AND SARDINE

ESC

ESCOLAR

SMLT

SMELT

BLU

BLUEFISH

BON

BONITO

BUT

BUTTERFISH

HALF

HALFBEAK

HARV

HARVEST FISH

MACK

MACKEREL, ATLANTIC

MACC

MACKEREL, ATLANTIC CHUB

MACB

MACKEREL, BULLET

FRI

MACKEREL, FRIGATE/BOO HOO

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Species Code

Species Name

KGM

MACKEREL, KING

SSM

MACKEREL, SPANISH

SARSC

SARDINE, SCALED

SARSP

SARDINE, SPANISH

SAURY

SAURY, ATLANTIC

SHAD

SHAD, AMERICAN

SHDG

SHAD, GIZZARD

SHDH

SHAD, HICKORY

DOL

DOLPHIN FISH/MAHI MAHI

BUM

MARLIN, BLUE

WHM

MARLIN, WHITE

SUN

OCEAN SUNFISH/ MOOLA

SWO

SWORDFISH

OPAH

OPAH/MOONFISH

Table 28: Species Codes for Other Finfish (Northern)
Species Code

Species Name

SAL

ATLANTIC SALMON

BBR

BLACK BELLIED ROSEFISH

ARGT

ARGENTINE

BSB

SEA BASS, BLACK

CUN

CUNNER

GREN

GREENEYE

JDO

JOHN DORY

LANT

LANTERNFISH

LUMP

LUMPFISH

HATCH

HATCHETFISH/PEARLSIDES

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Species Code

Species Name

PERW

PERCH, WHITE

PUF

PUFFER, NORTHERN

JPG

PORGY, JOLTHEAD

RPG

PORGY, RED

WPG

PORGY, WHITEBONE

RSC

ROUGH SCAD

SAND

SAND LANCE

SCUL

SCULPINS

SCUP

SCUP/PORGY

SRAV

SEA RAVEN

SROB

SEA ROBINS

SIL

SILVERSIDES, ATLANTIC

SILNS

SILVERSIDE, NOT SPECIFIED

SPOT

SPOT

STB

STRIPED BASS/ROCKFISH

STUR

STURGEON, ATLANTIC

STSN

STURGEON, SHORT-NOSE

TAU

TAUTOG

TILEB

TILEFISH, BLUELINE

TILEG

TILEFISH, GOLDEN

TILES

TILEFISH, SAND

TOAD

TOADFISH, OYSTER

WHB

WHITING, BLACK

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Table 29: Species Codes for Other Finfish (Southern)
Species Code

Species Name

BARRA

BARRACUDA

BAR

BARRELFISH

RUNB

BLUE RUNNER

COBIA

COBIA

CREV

CREVALLE

CRO

CROAKER, ATLANTIC

DRUMB

DRUM, BLACK

DRUMR

DRUM, RED

GAR

GARFISH

GRPCO

GROUPER, CONEY

GAG

GROUPER, GAG

GRAYSBY

GROUPER, GRAYSBY

GRPRED

GROUPER, RED

SCAMP

GROUPER, SCAMP

GRPSN

GROUPER, SNOWY

GRPW

GROUPER, WARSA

GRPR

GROUPER, OTHER

GRUNT

GRUNT

GRUNTW

GRUNT, WHITE

TOMT

GRUNT, TOMTATE

HINDRED

HIND, RED

HINDRO

HIND, ROCK

HINDSP

HIND, SPECKLE

HGF

HOGFISH

LADY

LADYFISH

MUL

MULLETS

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Species Code

Species Name

NSG

STARGAZER, NORTHERN

PERSA

PERCH, SAND

PIG

PIGFISH

POM

POMPANO, COMMON

RIB

RIBBONFISH

BANK

SEA BASS, BANK

SHEEP

SHEEPSHEAD

SNAPR

SNAPPER, RED

SNAPV

SNAPPER, VERMILLION

SNAPG

SNAPPER, GRAY

SNAP

SNAPPER, OTHER

SPADE

SPADEFISH

SQRF

SQUIRRELFISH

TRIG

TRIGGERFISH

TRIGGR

TRIGGERFISH, GRAY

WAH

WAHOO

WKSQ

WEAKFISH/ SEA TROUT SQUETEAGUE

WKSP

WEAKFISH/ SEA TROUT SPOTTED

WHK

WHITING, KING/KINGFISH

WRK

WRECKFISH

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Table 30: Species Codes for Tuna
Species Code

Species Name

ALB

ALBACORE

AMB

AMBERJACK

AMBGR

AMBERJACK, GREATER

AMBLR

AMBERJACK, LESSER

BET

BIG EYE

BLKFT

BLACKFIN

BFT

BLUEFIN

JACKA

JACK, ALMACO

LTA

LITTLE

RUDB

RUDDERFISH, BANDED

SKJ

SKIPJACK

YFT

YELLOWFIN

Table 31: Species Codes for Sharks
Species Code

Species Name

DGCH

DOGFISH, CHAIN

DGSM

DOGFISH, SMOOTH

DGSP

DOGFISH, SPINY

SHBA

SHARK, BASKING

SHBN

SHARK,BIGNOSE

SHBT

SHARK, BLACKTIP

SHBL

SHARK,BLUE

SHBU

SHARK,BULL

SHDU

SHARK,DUSKY

SHFI

SHARK, FINETOOTH

SHHA

SHARK,HAMMERHEAD

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Species Code

Species Name

SHLE

SHARK,LEMON

SHML

SHARK,MAKO, LONGFIN

SHMS

SHARK,MAKOM SHORTFIN

SHNI

SHARK,NIGHT

SHNU

SHARK,NURSE

SHPB

SHARK,PORBEAGLE

SHST

SHARK,SAND TIGER

SHSB

SHARK,SANDBAR

SHSN

SHARK,SHARPNOSE

SHSI

SHARK,SILKY

SHSP

SHARK,SPINNER

SHTH

SHARK,THRESHER

SHTB

SHARK,THRESHER, BIGEYE

SHTI

SHARK,TIGER

SHWH

SHARK,WHITE

SHWT

SHARK, WHITETIP

Table 32: Species Codes for Other
Species Code

Species Name

EELA

EEL, AMERICAN

EELC

EEL, CONGER

CSKEEL

EEL, CUSK

HAG

HAGFISH

RAYCO

RAY,COWNOSE

RAYMA

RAY, MANTA ATLANTIC

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Table 33: Species Codes for Shellfish
Species Code

Species Name

CLBA

CLAM, BLOOD ARC

CLA

CLAM, ARCTIC SURF

CLR

CLAM, RAZOR

CLSO

CLAM, SOFT

CLSU

CLAM, SURF

CLH

HARD QUAHOG

CLQU

OCEAN QUAHOG

CRB

CRAB, BLUE

CRC

CRAB, CANCER

CRG

CRAB, GREEN

CRH

CRAB, HERMIT

CRHS

CRAB, HORSESHOE

CRJ

CRAB, JONAH

CRJC

CRAB, JONAH CLAWS

CRL

CRAB, LADY

CRQS

CRAB, QUEEN SNOW

CRRD

CRAB, RED

CRRK

CRAB, ROCK

CRSP

CRAB, SPIDER

LOB

LOBSTER, AMERICAN

SHRM

SHRIMP (MANTIS)

SHRP

SHRIMP (PANAEID)

SHR

SHRIMP (PANDALID)

SCAL

SCALLOP, SEA

SCALS

SCALLOP, SEA, IN SHELL

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Species Code

Species Name

SCB

SCALLOP, BAY

SCC

SCALLOP,CALICO

SCI

SCALLOP,ICELANDIC

WHKC

WHELK, CHANNELED

WHKN

WHELK, KNOBBED

WHKL

WHELK, LIGHTNING

WHWV

WHELK, WAVED

MUS

MUSSELS

OYS

OYSTERS

Table 34: Species Codes for Invertebrates
Species Code

Species Name

CRUST

CRUSTACEAN, NOT SPECIFIED

JLY

JELLY FISH

MOLL

MOLLUSK, NOT SPECIFIED

OCT

OCTOPUS

CUC

SEA CUCUMBERS

URCH

SEA URCHINS

ILX

SQUID/ILLEX

LOL

SQUID/LOLIGO

STAR

STARFISH

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Table 35: Species Codes for Sea Turtles
Species Code

Species Name

GRTU

GREEN

HATU

HAWKSBILL

RITU

KEEMPS RIDLEY

LETU

LEATHERBACK

LOTU

LOGGERHEAD

UNTU

UNIDENTIFIED

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section provides answers for the most frequently-asked questions that occur when
reporting trips.
NOTE: Additional questions may be found at the web page Frequent Questions: Electronic
Vessel Trip Reporting .
1. Question: If I change gear type, mesh size, or chart area fished during a trip, how do I
complete my eVTR?
Answer: Complete a separate Effort for any change in gear type, mesh/ring size or chart
area. For further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.
2. Question: Do I have to complete a report if I am going out just to set gear?
Answer: Yes. If you make a fishing trip to set gear, you must complete an eVTR. Provide
Sail and Land information, trip category, number of crew and indicate this was a ‘Set Gear’
trip. For further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.
3. Question: Do I have to complete a report if I return to port prior to engaging in any fishing
activity (e.g., mechanical breakdown, bad weather)?
Answer: Yes. If you begin a fishing trip, but must return to port prior to engaging in any
fishing activity, you must complete an eVTR. Provide Sail and Land information, trip
category, number of crew (and anglers if necessary) and provide your reason for returning
to port. For further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.
4. Question: Do I have to complete a report if I'm using my federally permitted vessel to fish
recreationally?
Answer: Yes. Federally permitted vessels must report every trip that they take.
Recreational trips which use a federally permitted vessel require an eVTR to be submitted.
Provide all trip and effort information including species caught and discarded. When
reporting species kept, please use the 99998 Home Consumption dealer code.

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5. Question: What if I don't land any fish on a trip?
Answer: If you make a fishing trip and do not catch any fish, you must complete an eVTR.
Provide all trip and effort information, then enter No Catch or NC into the Species Code
field. For further guidance, refer to your eVTR instructions.
6. Question: Do I have to give my eVTR Trip ID to the dealer(s) that I sold my catch to?
Answer: Yes. You are required to provide the eVTR Trip ID to each Federal dealer to
whom you sell your catch. Trip IDs can be found in your eVTR application. They are
automatically generated when you begin reporting your trip. If you cannot locate your eVTR
Trip ID, contact your app vendor.
7. Question: I gave the wrong eVTR Trip ID to my dealer. Can I alter the eVTR Trip ID to match
the number I gave my dealer?
Answer: No. The eVTR Trip ID is unique and cannot be altered. Contact your dealer(s) to
have them correct their Dealer reports.
8. Question: How long am I required to keep records relating to my eVTRs?
Answer: You are not required to keep records upon which eVTRs are based. However,
you may want retain these records for their ability to help verify your catch data.
9. Question: If I'm fishing outside of the Greater Atlantic Region (e.g. in the Gulf of Mexico or
off the coast of Florida or on the High Seas for Tuna) do I have to submit eVTRs?
Answer: Yes. If your vessel is issued a permit from the Greater Atlantic region you are
required to submit an eVTR regardless of where the fishing activity took place or the species
targeted. The one exception to this is for vessels that are only permitted for American
Lobster.

Chart Areas
This section provides maps of the possible chart areas that you can reference when you are
entering your eVTR.

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Figure 1: Gulf of Maine Chart Areas

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Figure 2: Georges Bank Chart Areas

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Figure 3: Southern New England Chart Areas

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Figure 4: Mid-Atlantic Chart Areas

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Figure 5: Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay Chart Areas

Last Modified on: 10/15/2021

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Figure 6: Rhode Island Sound Cape Cod and Islands Chart Areas

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Figure 7: Long Island Sound and New York Chart Areas

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Figure 8: Cape Hatteras and U. S. Southern Atlantic Chart Areas

Last Modified on: 10/15/2021

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Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions

Last Modified on: 10/15/2021

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File Typeapplication/pdf
File TitleElectronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Reporting Instructions
SubjecteVTR fields, gear codes, gear types, species codes, chart areas
AuthorAPSD Tech Pubs
File Modified2021-10-15
File Created2021-10-15

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