How NOAA Can Help
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When NOAA Fisheries implemented the West Coast Trawl Rationalization program (commonly referred to as “catch shares”), enforcement coordinator Dayna Matthews was there to help. As a non-badged staff member, Matthews participated in 15 public meetings with industry representatives to help them understand the impacts of this new fishery management scheme. He also joined special agents from NOAA Law Enforcement’s Northwest and Southwest divisions to conduct 11 compliance assistance meetings for enforcement personnel as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and state enforcement partners all along the West Coast to ensure they understood the catch shares program. |
Commercial and recreational fishing regulations can be quite complex. We’re here to help fishermen and other recreational enthusiasts understand and follow regulations that support the long-term sustainability of marine resources and the economic activity those resources support.
Examples of How We Help
- Proactive education to help industry understand and comply with regulations through:
- Dock visits
- Compliance and safety gear guides
- Fishery council and interstate commission meetings
- Tradeshows and other industry events
- On-demand technical assistance answering questions from industry, such as that provided by our Vessel Monitoring System technicians and compliance assistance liaisons.
- Compliance training by our agents and officers at workshops and public meetings to help industry and partners understand regulations.
- Gear conflict mediation between different groups fishing in the same waters.
- Patrols and visits in areas of concern.
- Informational visits with fishermen, seafood processors, dealers, settlement offices, port agents to gather feedback.
- Broad education of the public and students on marine conservation issues and the role that enforcement plays in ensuring sustainability through events, exhibits, and the marine artifacts loan program.
Compliance Guides
Special Agent Richard Chesler explains the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan gear modification requirements to a blue crab fisherman at the Vilano boat ramp in Saint Augustine, Fla.
Northeast
- Sector Regulations Overview FY2016
- VTR Question and Answer Compliance Guide
- Common Pool Size and Possession Limits
- Northeast Recreational and Charter/Party Size and Possession Limits
- Mid-Atlantic Recreational and Charter/Party Size and Possession Limits
- NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Kids' Coloring and Activity Book
- Compliance Guide for Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule
Pacific Islands
- Transshipping, Bunkering, and Catch Retention/Discard Requirements
- Squid Jig Fishing in the Western Pacific
- Deep Water Shrimping in the Western Pacific
