Nov. 20 Webinar: Commercial eVTR Options in the Greater Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) are considering an action that will require commercial fishing operators holding federal permits for species managed by either Council to report their Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) electronically rather than on paper. Fisheries covered include:

  • Northeast Multispecies (groundfish)

  • Monkfish

  • Atlantic Herring

  • Skates

  • Small-Mesh Multispecies (whiting/hake)

  • Red Crab

  • Sea Scallop

  • Atlantic Bluefish

  • Black Sea Bass

  • Scup

  • Summer Flounder

  • Spiny Dogfish

  • Tilefish

  • Squid

  • Atlantic Mackerel

  • Butterfish

  • Surfclam

  • Ocean Quahog

Electronic Vessel Trip Reports (eVTRs) allow direct entry of data by the vessel operator using an electronic-based system (computer, smart phone, tablet). They have been an option for some fisheries since 2011 and all fisheries since 2013. These eVTRs have been required for all of the Mid-Atlantic and some of the New England for-hire fleet (due to also holding MAFMC permits) since 2018.

November 20 Commercial eVTR Webinar

In preparation for a possible transition to required electronic reporting for the commercial fleet, the MAFMC will host a webinar to review eVTR options, initial steps necessary for commercial operators to begin reporting electronically, and a demonstration of two of the most popular electronic reporting applications (with limited time for questions).

  • Date/Time: Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., EST

  • To Connect: Via webinar http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/evtr_publicmtg/ with a telephone audio connection (provided when connecting).

  • Audio only access: Conference phone number: 1–800–832–0736; Room Number: 5765379.

  • Note: The webinar will be recorded and made available on the MAFMC website (www.mafmc.org) for later viewing.

More Information

For additional information on the proposed action and resources for commercial fishing operators, or to sign up for notices specific to the eVTR action, visit http://www.mafmc.org/actions/commercial-evtr-framework.

Commercial eVTR Framework Webinar - Tuesday 7/23 at 8:30 a.m.

The Council will hold a webinar on Tuesday, July 23 at 8:30 a.m. to provide an update on the Commercial eVTR Framework and to review the available eVTR applications. This action could require electronic submission of Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) for commercial permit holders. Participants will also have an opportunity to provide input on specific issues, such as the timing for submitting eVTRs.

Date/Time 
Tuesday, July 23, 2019, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Connection Info

To install the Adobe Connect app or test your connection, please visit: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Materials

The updated eVTR framework document with action alternatives will be posted to the MAFMC eVTR webinar event page later this week.

For more information, contact Karson Coutre, kcoutre@mafmc.org (302) 526-5259.

Reminder: Electronic Reporting Requirements for Party/Charter Vessels with Mid-Atlantic Permits

Beginning Monday, March 12, 2018, all charter and party vessel operators holding a federal permit for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will be required to electronically submit Vessel Trip Reports for all trips carrying passengers for hire.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Offer Training Workshops on Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting for the For-Hire Community

The Mid-Atlantic Council will hold two workshops to help for-hire vessel operators prepare for upcoming electronic reporting requirements. 

  • Saturday, February 10, Danvers, Massachusetts
  • Saturday, February 24, Toms River, New Jersey

Mid-Atlantic For-Hire Vessel Permitting and Reporting: Electronic-only Submission Requirement Starts March 12, 2018

Beginning March 12, 2018, all charter and party vessels that hold a federal permit for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will be required to electronically submit vessel trip reports for all trips carrying passengers for hire.

New Electronic Reporting Requirements for Mid-Atlantic Charter/Party Vessels

Beginning March 12, 2018, all charter and party vessels that hold a federal permit for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will be required to electronically submit vessel trip reports for all trips carrying passengers for hire.

NOAA FY14 Federal Funding Opportunity - Understanding Climate Impacts on Fish Stocks and Fisheries to Inform Sustainable Management

NOAA has released the FY14 federal funding opportunity, Understanding Climate Impacts on Fish Stocks and Fisheries to Inform Sustainable Management.  

Council Hosts Climate Change and Fishery Science Workshop

Understanding climate change and the associated impacts on the ocean environment has emerged as one of the major challenges facing fishery science and management. On February 11, 2014, the Council hosted a Climate Change and Fishery Science Workshop in New Bern, North Carolina. Presentations and audio recordings from the workshop are all available at the link below.

Marine Species Distribution Shifts Reflect Local Climate Conditions

Climate change has resulted in shifts in where and at what depths many marine species are found. The leading explanation for these changes has been biological differences among species, but a new study suggests that the local climatic conditions are more likely causing these shifts.