August 11, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Beginning August 17, all recreational vessels fishing for blueline or golden tilefish must have a permit and report catch within 24 hours of returning to port.
Who Does This Impact?
- Vessels fishing for or retaining tilefish from Virginia to Maine.
- For-hire vessels holding an existing GARFO permit who take private recreational tilefish trips.
- States may have additional permitting or reporting requirements for recreational fishing.
What Do I Need To Do?
- Obtain a Private Recreational Tilefish Permit from the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO).
- Report your trip with one of the available reporting options.
How Do I Get a Permit?
- Start by registering an account on GARFO Fish Online.
- Create a user name and password.
- Existing permit holders may apply through their current Fish Online account.
- Click Initial Private Recreational Tilefish Permit.
How Do I Report?
- You must report all trips that either targeted or retained tilefish to GARFO within 24 hours of returning to port using an approved electronic vessel trip reporting (eVTR) system.
- More information on recreational tilefishing can be found on our recent Bulletin.