April 14, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
As the recreational fishing season gets going, we remind all GARFO permitted vessel operators about the current reporting requirements:
-
For-hire (party and charter) vessels that hold federal permits for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council must submit their Vessel Trip Reports (VTR) electronically.
-
Vessels issued only a Northeast multispecies (groundfish) charter/party permit may report on paper or electronic VTRs, until later this fall when e-VTRs will be required. You are encouraged to start reporting electronically as soon as possible.
-
Tilefish anglers on private vessels must submit their VTRs electronically for trips targeting or catching golden and blueline tilefish.
All fishermen can choose from several smart devices and web-based apps to report electronically.