Groundfish Individual Fishing Quota Vessel Account Registration
About
A vessel account is required to participate in the Shorebased IFQ program.
A vessel account registration request form must be completed and submitted to NOAA Fisheries at the address given to request a vessel account. To complete the request, any Economic Data Collection surveys due from the vessel owner must be deemed complete by the NOAA/Northwest Fisheries Science Center and the vessel owner must submit a complete trawl identification of ownership interest form.
NOAA Fisheries will mail a user ID and password upon establishing the vessel account. Please note that any change in vessel ownership requires the new owner to request a separate vessel account in the name of the new owners. New vessel owners cannot use the prior owner’s vessel account to cover the vessel’s catch.
Renewal: Vessel owners must renew vessel accounts annually through the online vessel account system during the renewal period of October 1 through November 30 in order to participate in the fishery on January 1 of the following year. If the November 30 deadline is missed, fill out a Vessel Account Renewal Form.
Fishery Type: Limited Access
Harvest Type: Commercial
Transferable: No. A new vessel account must be requested if a new vessel is built or purchased, or if a vessel is transferred to new owners.
Expiration Date: When a vessel is lost or transferred to new owners or January 1 of the following year if the vessel account was not previously renewed during the annual renewal period.
Fishing Area: EEZ off of Washington, Oregon, and California coasts
Online Renewal: Yes, here. However, late renewals must be done manually, using a Vessel Account Renewal Form.
Forms:
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Vessel Account Registration Request Form (PDF, 1 page). Expires January 31, 2026.
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Vessel Account Renewal Form (PDF, 1 page) - Missed Deadline Only. Expires January 31, 2026.
Need Help?
West Coast Groundfish Fishing Permits
West Coast Regional Office
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg. 1
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
Phone: 206-526-4353