Electronic Monitoring Systems for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS)

This request is for extension of an existing information collection for electronic monitoring and vessel monitoring systems (VMS) in Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) commercial fisheries. Pelagic longline (PLL) vessels, bottom longline (BLL) vessels fishing in the region of the Mid-Atlantic Closed Area, shark gillnet vessels in vicinity of U.S. Southeast Restricted Area, and purse seine vessels are required to use Enhanced Mobile Transmitting Unit (E-MTU) VMS to submit hourly automatic position reports, and hail in and out on fishing trips. PLL and purse seine vessels are also required to report bluefin tuna catches via E-MTU message. PLL vessels are also required to install a video and gear electronic monitoring system and record all catch and relevant data regarding PLL gear retrieval. These data must be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for catch monitoring and accounting of individual bluefin tuna quota balances.

The latest form for Electronic Monitoring Systems for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) expires 2023-07-31 and can be found here.

Vessel Monitoring System for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species - purchase, installation and activation checklist

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Natural Resources - Conservation, Marine and Land Management

Review document collections for all forms, instructions, and supporting documents - including paper/printable forms.