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 2026 (May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027).
New providers that would like to provide either ASM or EM services to groundfish sectors must submit a full application by October 2nd, 2025. 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 2025 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, coverage amount, and scope of coverage meet the National Minimum Observer Provider Insurance Standard specified in 50 CFR 600.748. In addition, please provide documentation that the policy will be maintained or renewed to provide the required coverage for the duration of the approval period (May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027).
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. If no modifications have been made to staffing or operations since the previous application cycle, service providers should indicate this with their submission.
NOAA Fisheries has developed an EAP template to assist service providers in creating or revising their EAP for fishing year 2026. 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)
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.
We aim to publish our decisions on service provider approvals in the Federal Register before the end of the 2025 calendar year to give sectors and providers ample time to negotiate ASM and/or EM contracts for the 2026 fishing year. Issuance of approval as a monitoring service provider shall be based on completeness of the application, and a determination by NMFS of the applicant's ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a monitoring service provider, as demonstrated in the application information. We plan to offer another opportunity for new service providers to apply for approval to provide ASM and/or EM services before fishing year 2027.
Please use Kiteworks, a secure file-sharing service, to submit all information by Wednesday, October 2nd, 2025 to both Heather Nelson and Pete Christopher at heather.nelson@noaa.gov and peter.christopher@noaa.gov. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Heather Nelson at heather.nelson@noaa.gov or (978) 281-9334.
