Reminder: Commercial VTRs Must be Submitted Electronically as eVTRs

On November 10, 2021, NOAA Fisheries implemented a new rule requiring all GARFO-permitted commercial fishing vessels to submit vessel trip reports electronically as eVTRs within 48 hours of the end of the trip. This also applies to vessels holding a NEFMC for-hire permit. This does not apply to vessels holding only an American lobster permit.

  • Paper vessel trip reports packages will no longer be distributed by GARFO.

  • After November 10, VTRs will only be accepted electronically.

  • If you have any delinquent VTRs, please mail them as soon as possible for processing before the deadline.

See GARFO’s webpage for more information on the requirements, and use this decision tree to help you decide if you need to use eVTR. Additional resources are available on the Council’s Commercial eVTR page.

How to Report

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. NOAA Fisheries has also developed a Decision Tree to help permit holders to determine which reporting applications will best meet their needs. Many commercial operators have chosen the SAFIS eTrips/mobile 2 or the NOAA Fish Online programs.

Training Opportunities

The Council and GARFO have both hosted eVTR training webinars. Recordings from those webinars are available at the links below.

Additional eVTR Resources

The pages and videos linked below provide information to help get you started.

General

eVTR Tutorials

eTrips/Mobile 2 Tutorials:

NOAA Fish Online Tutorials