Effective Dates Established For Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) On Directed Shark Vessels

August 27, 2004

Release from:
NOAA

On August 17, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule (69 FR 51010) that lifts the stay on the requirement to have a NOAA-approved VMS unit installed and operating on vessels with a directed shark limited access permit. These VMS units will assist in both managing shark species sustainably as well as providing additional protection measures for the North Atlantic right whale.

The VMS requirement provides that as of November 15, 2004, directed shark vessels with gillnet gear onboard, regardless of location, will be required to have VMS installed and operating Right Whale Calving Season (November 15-March 31).

As of January 1, 2005, directed shark vessels with bottom longline fishing gear onboard that are located between 33 and 36 30’ North latitude will be required to have VMS installed and operating during the mid-Atlantic shark closure (January 1 – July 31).

Finalized in December 2003 (68 FR 74746), and delayed pending a type-approval notice (69 FR 19979) that was published in April 2004, the final rule will make the requirement effective but not modify the substantive requirements.

NOAA Fisheries has a limited number of VMS units available to lend to fishermen who currently have a directed shark permit. If you are interested in obtaining one of these units, please contact Karyl Brewster-Geisz by September 24, 2004, via phone (301) 713-2347 x111, fax (301) 713-1917, or email Karyl.Brewster-Geisz@noaa.gov.

For more information regarding approved mobile transmitting units or for installation information, contact Jonathon Pinkerton, National VMS Program Manager, (301) 713-2300 or jonathan.pinkerton@noaa.gov.