March 23, 2023 — In late February, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth District set aside the final rule implementing the SEFHIER data-collection program for charter fishing boats in the Gulf of Mexico. This means the gulf program is currently not in effect. The ruling does not affect the South Atlantic SEFHIER program.
Just what is SEFHIER?
It is a vessel monitoring system in the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting data collection program.
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“This program was initiated by federally permitted charter and headboat vessel owners and operators all around the Gulf,” said Capt. Jim Green, president of the Charter Fisherman’s Association and captain of the New Florida Girl’s American Spirit in Destin.