NOAA Fisheries: eVTR Reminders for Submitting a Trip Using Pot Gear Type

The following was released by NOAA Fisheries on August 31, 2022:

We are making improvements to our Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting (eVTR) online system to more accurately capture data coming from pot gear fisheries, which may result in you receiving an error message when submitting reports.

Please be sure you are following the correct eVTR reporting guidelines when submitting a trip in which pot Gear Types are used. We require the Gear Quantity, Gear Size and Number of Hauls fields for pot Gear Types be reported as follows:

  • Gear Quantity = Average number of pots per string

  • Gear Size = Total number of pots in the water

  • Number of Hauls = Total number of strings hauled per trip

Questions?

For more information, instructions, and instructional videos about eVTR reporting, please visit our website.

For further assistance, please call the Vessel Reporting Help Desk at 978-281-9188 or contact your local Port Agent.

Proposed Rule: Amendment 22 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan

NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on proposed changes to the commercial and recreational allocations for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The comment period is open through September 12, 2022.

NOAA Fisheries and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Announce Efforts to Mitigate Impacts of Offshore Wind Energy Development on NOAA Fisheries’ Surveys

NOAA Fisheries and BOEM have developed a Draft Federal Survey Mitigation Strategy to address anticipated impacts of offshore wind energy development on NOAA Fisheries’ scientific surveys. Two informational webinars will be held on March 29 and 30. Comments can be submitted here through May 6.

ACFHP Launches General Request for Habitat Conservation Proposals

The following was released by the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership:

In order to respond promptly to funding opportunities from various sources, the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP or Partnership) is soliciting applications for habitat conservation projects in need of funding that align with ACFHP’s objectives and priority habitats. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is not linked to a specific funding source. Instead, newly submitted projects reviewed and approved by ACFHP will be added to our project database and recommended as funding becomes available.

The amount of funding currently and soon to be available for habitat restoration projects is unlike anything we have seen in a generation. With the applications submitted through the RFP, ACFHP is preparing to nimbly respond to new funding opportunities with previously approved projects. There is no deadline for the RFP. The sooner we receive applications, the faster ACFHP can review and consider your project for new funding opportunities. While submitting an application does not guarantee funding, it will increase the visibility of your project among ACFHP partners and other funders.

The RFP can be found on the ACFHP website: Funding Opportunities – Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (atlanticfishhabitat.org)

For questions and to submit your completed application, please email Lisa Havel, ACFHP Director, at LHavel@asmfc.org.

NOAA Fisheries: Sea Turtle Bycatch Measures in Atlantic Trawl Fisheries -- Upcoming Information Gathering!

NOAA Fisheries is gathering early input from the public, fishing industry, and other stakeholder groups regarding potential measures to reduce bycatch of sea turtles in trawl fisheries, with a particular focus on the Atlantic croaker, longfin squid, and summer flounder fisheries.

Phase 2 of Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Modifications

NOAA Fisheries is requesting input on efforts to reduce the risk of entanglement to right, humpback, and fin whales in U.S. East Coast gillnet, Atlantic mixed species trap/pot, and Mid-Atlantic lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fisheries. Scoping meetings will be held September 9 - October 14. Written comments may be submitted through October 21.