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Commercial Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting
Commercial fishing vessels with federal permits for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) are required to submit Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) documenting all fishing activity and catches. On November 10, 2021, NOAA Fisheries implemented a new rule requiring all commercial vessels with federal permits for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic or New England Council to submit vessel trip reports (VTRs) electronically as eVTRs within 48 hours of the end of a trip (unless required sooner as with some sector allocations). These requirements also apply to vessels issued for-hire permits for NEFMC-managed fisheries (vessels with for-hire permits for MAFMC-managed species or private recreational tilefish permits already report electronically).
This action does not change any other existing requirements associated with VTRs. These changes were recommended by the MAFMC and NEFMC in order to increase the timeliness and availability of data submitted through VTRs, reduce the reporting burden on commercial vessel operators, and increase the accuracy and quality of data.
eVTR Software Options
Vessel operators have several NOAA Fisheries-approved eVTR applications to choose from. Visit the NOAA Fisheries eVTR Software Options page for detailed information about approved applications and other aspects of electronic reporting. Many commercial operators have chosen the SAFIS eTrips/mobile 2 or the NOAA Fish Online programs.
Frequent Questions: Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting - A series of questions and answers that will help make the transition to electronic Vessel Trip Reporting easier in the Greater Atlantic Region.
SAFIS eTrips
SAFIS eTrips provides cross-platform electronic reporting of fishing activity data. eTrips offers two different options for electronic reporting: (1) eTrips/mobile v2 for iOS, Android, and Windows 10, and (2) eTrips Online for web browsers. For assistance or to obtain SAFIS log-in information, call the eTrips Helpdesk at (800) 984-0810 or email SAFIS eTrips Support.
NOAA Fish Online
Fish Online provides cross-platform electronic reporting of fishing activity data. For assistance or to obtain NOAA Fish Online log-in information, call (978) 281-9188 or email the GARFO Helpdesk.
Deckhand Logbook
Deckhand Logbook is an electronic logbook app for use on Apple iPads. Deckhand has been in use by commercial fishermen in Australia for over 4 years and was recently approved by NMFS for submission of eVTRs in the Greater Atlantic region.
Other eVTR Software Options
While eTrips and NOAA Fish Online are the most commonly-used electronic reporting applications, commercial operators have several other eVTR apps to choose from. Please visit the eVTR Software Options page for a detailed list of approved applications and related resources. Please note that commercial operators already using an approved application to submit eVTRs, including the Northeast Fishery Science Center’s FLDRS program, should continue to do so. All others may find it helpful to review the FAQs to help you choose a reporting system.
Please note that each software vendor is responsible for providing training and support for their system.
Documents and Related Pages
Final Rule (11/10/20) and Proposed Rule (7/17/20)
Press Release: Councils Approve Omnibus Commercial eVTR Framework
Commercial eVTR Omnibus Framework Action Page (documents and information related to the development of this action)
Training Opportunities
The MAFMC has hosted several eVTR training sessions. Recordings of past webinars are available below.
Contacts
If you need assistance, contact the NOAA Fisheries Help Desk at (978) 281-9188, nmfs.gar.reporting@noaa.gov or your local Port Agent.