Office for Law Enforcement

Updated July 14, 2006

NOTICE

***NEW EFH (Essential Fish Habitat) VMS REGULATIONS***

Starting July 28 th , 2006, all vessels fishing under federal permits in the Aleutian islands sub-area – including state waters – must have an operational vessel monitoring system. VMS will also be required for all vessels using mobile bottom contact gear in the Gulf of Alaska. The new regulations list mobile bottom contact gear as non-pelagic trawl, dredge, and dinglebar gear.

***NEW EFH (Essential Fish Habitat) VMS REGULATIONS***

The VMS units approved for Alaska fisheries are in the following link to the Federal Register Publication. [69 FR 19985 - Notice of NOAA-approved VMS for use by vessels participating in Alaska fisheries requiring VMS]

On January 8, 2002, an emergency interim rule (67 FR 956) was issued by NMFS to implement Steller sea lion protection measures. All vessels using pot, hook-and-line or trawl gear in the directed fisheries for pollock, Pacific cod or Atka mackerel are now required to have an endorsement on their federal fisheries permit. Section 679.7(a)(18) requires all vessels using pot, hook-and-line or trawl gear that are permitted to directly fish for Pacific cod, Atka mackerel or pollock to have an operable VMS. This requirement is necessary to monitor fishing restrictions in Steller sea lion protection and forage areas. The following is a list of questions and answers to assist vessel owners in complying with the VMS requirements.

Who needs VMS?
Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) are required to be operated on all vessels permitted for directed fisheries for pollock, Pacific cod, and Atka mackerel during those times when these fisheries are open. The only exemption is for vessels using jig gear.

When do I have to run the VMS?
The VMS must be operable when any of these three fisheries (Atka mackerel, pollock or Pacific cod) that the vessel is endorsed for is open, regardless of the target species.

All vessels named on an FFP or FCVP while operating in the Aleutian islands sub-area – including state waters.

All vessels named on an FFP or FCVP while operating with mobile bottom contact gear on board in the Gulf of Alaska.

When did this become mandatory?
The requirement for vessels directed fishing for Atka mackerel has been in effect since January 2000, and will continue. As of June 10, 2002, all vessels using pot, hook-and-line or trawl gear that are registered to directly fish for Pacific cod, Atka mackerel or pollock were required to have an operable VMS unit.

EFH(Essential Fish Habiatat) regulations effective July 28, 2006.

Where can VMS units be purchased?
There are several approved VMS units. Click on the following links for details.
Argos MAR-GE
Thrane & Thrane 3022-D, 3026-S, 3026-M
Orbcomm

Is there a reimbursement program?

71 FR 42815, July 28, 2006. Notice of corrected vessel monitoring systems reimbursement program information.

71 FR 41425, July 21, 2006. Notice of vessel monitoring systems reimbursement program.

What do I do after getting the VMS installed?
At least 72 hours before first entering an area where you are permitted for directed fishing for pollock, Pacific cod or Atka mackerel, supply power to the transponder, and notify NMFS Enforcement by submitting the official VMS FAX form to FAX # (907) 586-7703. Click here to download the VMS FAX form, which may be filled out on the screen, then printed. NMFS needs to know this information before fishing is started so that the operation of the VMS can be checked. See § 679.28(f)(3)(viii).

What do I do if I am out fishing and my VMS stops working?
Regulations require the VMS to be operational. If you discover your unit is not working, contact NMFS Enforcement and they will assist in troubleshooting the system to help get it operational again. If NMFS Enforcement still cannot receive a signal from your vessel, they will determine the appropriate action on a case by case basis.

Who are the NMFS contacts for VMS questions?
Enforcement: Phone: (907) 586-7225
Fax: (907) 586-7703

See VMS Guidelines For IPHC Area 4 Halibut Clearance Exemption for more information.

Please check this page frequently for updates.