Economic data collections for catcher vessels, catcher-processors, motherships and first receivers

Economic Data Collection (FRAM Division)

National Marine Fisheries Service

Northwest Fisheries Science Center

2725 Montlake Blvd East

Seattle, WA 98112

May 1, 2017

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Our records indicate that you are required to submit an Economic Data Collection (EDC) survey form for fiscal year 2016. Please submit the form for the following vessel by September 1, 2017:

Vessel Name: <VESSEL NAME

The West Coast Groundfish Trawl Catch Share Program, also known as trawl rationalization, began on January 11, 2011. Under this program, all owners, lessees, and charterers of a catcher-processor registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry permit at any time in 2016 are required to submit an EDC form (50 CFR 660.114). The data will be used by Northwest Fisheries Science Center economists to evaluate the catch share program. Aggregated data and analyses will be compiled into a report and presented to the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Forms can be submitted by mail or online. The online form provides an easy and secure method for submitting your information, reducing the time required to complete and submit your form. For the online option, please see the enclosed instruction sheet. To login, you will need this web form ID, which is specific to your vessel and company:

Web Form ID: XXXX-2016-XXXXXX

For your form to be recorded as complete, every question must have an answer, whether it is a number, a statement, or “NA”. If you do not have an answer for a specific question, write “NA”. In order for the Northwest Region to process permit renewals, changes in vessel registration, vessel account actions, and quota pound or individual bycatch quota issuance, your EDC form must be recorded as complete by September 1, 2017.

If you have any questions about completing the form or believe that you are not responsible for completing the form, please contact me. All information can be found on our website, where you can also download additional forms: www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/edc.

Sincerely,

Erin Steiner

National Marine Fisheries Service

NWFSC.EDC@noaa.gov

1-866-791-3726