During the December Council Meeting, a representative from NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement reported that a New Jersey based recreational vessel operator was recently issued a $500 fine for possession of a blueline tilefish without the required permit. As a reminder, if you own or operate a private recreational vessel and target tilefish from Virginia northward, you must have a recreational tilefish permit and submit a trip report within 24 hours of returning to port from any trip where tilefish were targeted (even if none were caught or kept). These rules also apply to for-hire vessels taking private recreational trips.
Get a permit: To apply for a permit, visit the NOAA Fisheries’ Fish Online website, create an account, and select “Initial Private Recreational Tilefish Permit.” Please note that this is a vessel permit – you only need one if you are the owner or operator of the vessel.
Report your catch: Several electronic vessel trip reporting (eVTR) applications are available to choose from. Visit the eVTR Software Options page to learn more.
These requirements were implemented because we do not currently have good estimates of how many golden and blueline tilefish are being caught by recreational anglers each year. Consistent and accurate reporting helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the tilefish fisheries.
Fishing for or keeping tilefish without a permit can result in a civil violation of $500. If you think there’s a chance you might target tilefish – even on a trip for another species such as tuna or swordfish – you should apply for a free permit and select an electronic reporting application.
Visit the Council’s Recreational Tilefish Permitting and Reporting page to learn more.
