Pelagic Longline Monitoring Areas: Charleston Bump and East Florida Coast
NOAA Fisheries is establishing the Charleston Bump and East Florida Coast HMS Pelagic Longline Monitoring Areas.
Summary
On April 3, 2026, NOAA Fisheries will establish the Charleston Bump and East Florida Coast Monitoring Areas. These areas will allow pelagic longline fishing with specific restrictions including:
- strict effort controls
- increased reporting requirements
- enhanced electronic monitoring (EM)
The commercial data collected in these areas will help inform future analyses of how effectively the areas meet conservation and management needs.
Coordinates and maps of the Charleston Bump and East Florida Coast Monitoring Areas coordinates in the Amendment 15 Compliance Guide.
Vessel Owners and Operators
Monitoring areas allow fishing if the effort cap has not been reached and vessel owners and operators have an agreement with a certified EM vendor.
Learn more about finding certified EM vendors>
Electronic Monitoring Vendors
Vendors interested in providing electronic monitoring services to pelagic longline fishermen must submit certification materials to NOAA Fisheries and meet all applicable requirements.
Learn more about vendor application and certification>
Exempted Fishing Permit Research in Spatial Management Areas
Anyone interested in performing research in spatial management areas should apply for an exempted fishing permit.