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NOAA Fisheries is implementing the final rule for the South Atlantic For-Hire Reporting Amendment. The final rule establishes electronic reporting requirements for vessels with a federal charter/headboat permit for Atlantic coastal migratory pelagics, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo or South Atlantic snapper-grouper and modifies the reporting deadline for headboats.

The rule will be effective on September 1, 2020.

According to Fisheries Bulletin FB20-012:

– The final rule requires weekly electronic reporting for charter fishermen and modifies the reporting deadline for headboats starting Sept. 1, 2020.

– The requirements for weekly electronic reporting apply to charter vessels with a federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics, or Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, or South Atlantic snapper-grouper species.

– Charter fishermen must report information such as trip start and end dates and times, species kept and discarded, fishing location, depth fished, hours fished and charter fee.

– Electronic reports from charter fishermen are due by Tuesday following the end of each reporting week, which runs from Monday through Sunday.

– Charter fishermen can report using their computer, smartphone and tablets with access to the internet. Reporting must be through software approved by NOAA Fisheries. NOAA Fisheries will send information on how to download the software in a future bulletin.

– No action is required by charter fishermen at this time. NOAA Fisheries will send more information in the spring/summer of 2020. Call 727-209-5950 with any questions.

– Headboat vessels with a federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics, or Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, or South Atlantic snapper-grouper species will continue to submit reports to the Southeast Headboat Survey, but will be required to submit electronic fishing reports by Tuesday following a reporting week, rather than by Sunday.

The formal Federal Register name and number for the final rule is 85 FR 10331 which was published Feb. 24.

READ MORE ON THE WATER NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

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