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.
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.
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 ยง 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.