This notice fulfills the requirements at 50 CFR 660.603(b) and § 660.604(e) for 90 day notice prior to the due dates for NOAA Fisheries accepting Electronic Monitoring (EM) service provider applications and vessel applications. The EM regulatory program will begin on January 1, 2024. EM service providers that wish to have their applications considered for January 1, 2024, must submit their applications by June 1, 2023. Prospective service providers may submit an application online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/electronic-monitoring-program-service-provider-application-and-service-plan. The full requirements can be found at § 660.603.
Vessels that wish to have their applications considered for January 1, 2024, must submit their applications by October 1, 2023. Vessels that wish to have their applications considered for the primary whiting season start date (May 1, 2024), must submit their applications by February 1, 2024. The full requirements can be found at § 660.604.
The EM regulatory program was previously slated to begin in 2022; however, it was ultimately delayed (86 FR 55525, October 6, 2021). Because of the delay, NOAA Fisheries had already received applications from prospective companies interested in obtaining an EM service provider permit. NMFS intends to consider any permit applications already received for when the permanent program begins, or allow for applicants to revise or withdraw applications. When reviewing these applications, NMFS may request additional information or revisions from the applicant until NMFS is satisfied that the application is complete.
Detailed information on the EM regulatory program is available here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/resources-fishing/electronic-monitoring-west-coast.
Questions?
Contact Matt Dunlap, Fishery Policy Analyst, at (206) 316-7944.
