We are soliciting at-sea monitoring (ASM) and electronic monitoring (EM) applications from new providers, and updated materials from currently approved providers that wish to maintain their approval status, for fishing year 2025 (May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026).
New providers that would like to provide either ASM or EM services to groundfish sectors must submit a full application by October 3rd, 2024. New service provider applicants should specify in their cover letter whether they are interested in providing ASM services, EM services, or both. Service providers interested in providing both ASM and EM services should develop separate ASM and EM plans to meet the application requirements and service provider performance standards. Service providers seeking new approval should submit an application that includes a cover letter and the information and statements identified in the regulations at 50 CFR 648.11(h)(3).
Service providers approved for fishing year 2024 that wish to maintain their approval status must submit updated proof of insurance and an updated Emergency Action Plan (EAP). To avoid delays, please include a letter from your insurance provider specifying that the policy and coverage amount and scope of coverage meet the National Minimum Observer Provider Insurance Standard specified in 50 CFR 600.748. Previously approved service providers must also notify us of any changes to staffing or operations as described in § 648.11(h)(3) and (5) by indicating which contents of their application have been modified since the previous application cycle.
NOAA Fisheries has developed an EAP template to assist service providers in creating or revising their EAP for fishing year 2025. The EAP template includes the recommended elements of a complete EAP. We encourage service providers to review the template and include the corresponding information in their EAP.
- Emergency Action Plan Template and Guidance Document (PDF, 4 pages)
We aim to publish our decisions on service provider approvals in the Federal Register before the end of the 2024 calendar year to give sectors and providers ample time to negotiate ASM and/or EM contracts for the 2025 fishing year. We plan to offer another opportunity for new service providers to apply for approval to provide ASM and/or EM services before fishing year 2026.
Complete information regarding the requirements of the Northeast multispecies sector monitoring program can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. The regulations at § 648.11(h)(3) describe the contents of the service provider application; § 648.11(h)(5) contains the responsibilities of monitoring service providers; § 648.11(i) contains the observer, monitor, and video reviewer certification requirements; and § 648.11(l) describes the Northeast multispecies sector monitoring program.
Please use Kiteworks, a secure file-sharing service, to submit all information by Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, to both Anjali Bhardwaj and Heather Nelson at anjali.bhardwaj@noaa.gov and heather.nelson@noaa.gov. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Anjali Bhardwaj at anjali.bhardwaj@noaa.gov or (978)281-9293.
