Electronic Monitoring (EM) Vessel Monitoring Plan (VMP)

Revised: 10/19/2023

OMB Control No. 0648-0318
Expiration Date: 07/31/2025

2024
Electronic Monitoring (EM)

Vessel Monitoring Plan (VMP)
Your vessel is in the EM selection pool for the duration of 2024, and you must fully
comply with the provisions of this VMP. We will notify you via email with problems
regarding your performance under the EM program. If you have repeat problems with
EM system reliability or video quality or have failed to comply with the requirements in
this VMP, NMFS may disapprove your VMP for the following calendar year and you may
be removed from the EM pool the following calendar year. The regulatory
requirements for EM systems can be found at 50 CFR 679.51(f).

NMFS Contacts

Submit VMP or make changes to VMP
Sustainable Fisheries
PO Box 21668
Juneau, AK 99802
nmfs.akr.vmp@noaa.gov
(907) 586-7228

Enforcement Questions
Phillip Null
Supervisory Enforcement Officer
NOAA/NMFS OLE
Kodiak Field Office
1211 Gibson Cove Rd
Kodiak, AK 99615

phillip.null@noaa.gov

EM Selection Pool
Mike Vechter
Fisheries Monitoring & Analysis
222 West 7th Ave, Stop 7
Anchorage, AK 99513
mike.vechter@noaa.gov
(907) 271-1696

(907)531-6603

Observer Declare and Deploy System (ODDS)
For assistance logging trips, ODDS can be reached online at

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/tool-app/observer-deploy-and-declare-system-odds or through the
call center at 1-855-747-6377.

EM Service Provider Contacts
[To be completed by the EM service provider. List EM service provider contact information, including but not
limited to: office address, office phone numbers, and Field Manager email and cell phone.]

Accessibility of this Document: Every effort has been made to make this document accessible to
individuals of all abilities and compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The complexity of this
document may make access difficult for some. If you encounter information that you cannot access or
use, please email us at Alaska.webmaster@noaa.gov or call us at 907-586-7228 so that we may assist you.

Vessel Summary
Vessel Name:
ADFG Vessel permit:
Home port:
Primary landing port(s):
Gear type(s) to be used:
(check all that apply)

Using Exemption at §679.7(f)(4)

(fishing IFQ in Multiple Areas)

Traditional Pot

Longline
Yes

Slinky Pot

No

Vessel Owner name:
Email:
Phone number(s):
Vessel Primary Point of Contact:
(if different from owner)

Email:
Phone number(s):

Please provide a valid email address. Notification of problems regarding
your performance under the EM program will be sent ONLY via email.

Reminders:
Non-fishing activities occurring on deck may be seen by an EM reviewer.
It is prohibited to assault, impede, intimidate, harass, sexually harass,
bribe, or interfere with an EM service provider.
EM service provider means any person, including their employees or
agents, that NMFS contracts with to provide EM services, or to review,
interpret, or analyze EM data, as required under § 679.51(f).

2

VMP Contents
NMFS Contacts

1

Observer Declare and Deploy System (ODDS)

1

EM Service Provider Contacts

1

Vessel Summary

2

Operator Responsibilities

4

Prior to Trip

4

Each Trip

4

Each Day

4

Prior to Each Haul or Set

5

Catch Handling Requirements for all vessels

5

Catch Handling Requirements for LONGLINERS:

6

Catch Handling Requirements for SINGLE POT GEAR:

6

Catch Handling Requirements for STRING POT / SLINKY POT GEAR:

7

Trip End for All Vessels

7

Additional information for EM selected trips starting or ending at a tender

7

Vessels Using the Exemption at § 679.7(f)(4) to Fishing IFQ in Multiple Areas

8

Enforcement Contacts

9

Equipment Malfunctions

10

Equipment Malfunction Discovered During Pre-Departure EM System Function Test

10

Equipment Malfunction at Sea

11

Equipment Malfunctions for Vessels Fishing IFQ in Multiple Areas using the Exemption at § 679.7(f)(4)

12

Appendix A – Vessel Installation Details

13

Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator

14

EM system user’s guide

14

Vessel-specific handling protocols or instructions

14

Appendix C – Signature Page

15

Appendix D – Longline EM Effort Logbook

16

Appendix E – Pot EM Effort Logbook

17

3

Operator Responsibilities
When selected for coverage, you must comply with operator responsibilities listed below
and in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator.

Prior to Trip

✔ Complete Function Test: Prior to leaving port or a tender, you must turn the system on and
conduct a system function test following the instructions provided in Appendix B – Guide for
Vessel Operator. If the function test identifies a malfunction, you must follow the guidance in
the malfunction matrix and the troubleshooting guidelines listed in Appendix B – Guide for
Vessel Operator.
✔ Confirm Hard Drive Storage Space: Ensure that the system has enough storage to record the
entire trip. Be sure to plan for future trips and request additional storage from your EM service
provider as necessary.

For EM coverage, a fishing trip is defined at § 679.2 as the period of
time that begins when the vessel leaves a shore-based port or tender
vessel with an empty hold until the vessel returns to a shore-based port
or tender vessel and all fish are delivered.
Each Trip
✔ Power: Maintain uninterrupted power to the EM unit while the vessel is underway.

o System may be powered down at anchor (while stationary). If vessel moves from
the stationary location, EM unit must be powered on and maintain uninterrupted
power.

✔ Maintain Equipment: Make certain that EM system components are not tampered with,
disabled, destroyed, or operated or maintained improperly unless directed to make
changes by NMFS, the EM service provider, or as directed in the troubleshooting guide of
the VMP.

Each Day
✔ Logbook: You must complete one of the following:
o If you are required to complete a NMFS or IPHC logbook, you should use it and add in
the comments section:
▪ the ODDS trip number
▪ whether the vessel fished at night during the trip
▪ any EM malfunctions encountered during the trip
▪ each set that marine mammals were observed feeding on the catch as it was
brought aboard.
o If you are not required to complete a NMFS or IPHC logbook then you must complete
the EM Effort Logbook found in either Appendix D – Longline EM Effort Logbook or
Appendix E – Pot EM Effort Logbook and add in the comments section:
4

▪
▪
▪
▪

whether the vessel fished at night during the trip
any EM malfunctions encountered during the trip
each set that marine mammals were observed feeding on the catch as it
was brought aboard
If/why the system was shut down or transitioned to sleep mode during the
trip

Prior to Each Haul or Set
✔ Verify System Is Running Correctly
o Verify that all cameras are recording and all sensors and other required EM system
components are functioning as instructed in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator.
Check the monitor and verify that the camera views are consistent with the images
provided in Appendix A - Vessel Installation Details.

o

✔ Clear Camera Views: Clean cameras to maintain video quality and make sure camera
views are not blocked.

Catch Handling Requirements for all vessels
Seabirds: Hold seabirds up to the camera for 3 seconds and show certain key parts of
the animal, such as the beak, to the hauler view camera. When showing a seabird to the
camera:

✔

o
o
o
●

✔

Grasp by the outermost bend in wing, with wings out-stretched and show the bird to
the hauler camera showing the front and back sides;
For albatross, show a profile of the bill by holding the bird by the neck against the
side of the boat. Ensure that the view is not obstructed; and
If possible, hold the bird beak near a scaled reference item (e.g., measurement
board with large grid) to assist with identification.

Vessels are required to complete a Threatened and Endangered Bird Species Encounter
Reporting Form (USFWS) when an encounter occurs for short-tailed albatross, spectacled
eider, Steller’s eider or other ESA-listed species.
Marine mammals: Any incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals must be
documented in your logbook and reported through the Marine Mammal Authorization
Program. Forms for the Marine Mammal Authorization Program are mailed to most permit
holders participating in category II fisheries (Marine Mammal Protection Act List of
Fisheries), but are also available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-

mammal-protection/marine-mammal-authorization-program

o

All mortality and/or serious injury with marine mammals incidental to fishing activities
needs to be reported, regardless of the category of the fishery under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act List of Fisheries.

o

Incidental interactions include any action that results in an injury (as stated at 50 CFR
229.2) or the collection of an already deceased animal.

o

When reporting an interaction with a previously dead animal, please fill out the
reporting form and use the notes section to specify that the animal was dead
previous to fishing activities and give the reasons why this is apparent to you.
5

o

✔

If you have questions about what to report or how to report, contact

suzie.teerlink@noaa.gov or (907) 586-7240.

o

Incidental interactions, for the purpose of reporting via the Marine Mammal
Authorization Program Mortality/Injury reporting form, do not include marine mammal
depredation events, unless serious injury or mortality results.

o

Marine mammal depredation: Note in the logbook each set where marine mammals
were feeding on the catch.

Prohibited species catch (PSC): handling should follow regulations outlined 50 CFR
679.21. This includes non-retained Pacific halibut.
o

Return all prohibited species, or parts thereof, to the sea immediately, with a minimum
of injury, regardless of its condition (50 CFR 679.21(a)(2)(ii)).

o

PSC as defined in 50 CFR 679.2, includes Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.),
steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis),
Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi), king crab, and Tanner crab.

o

Catch handling instructions for Pacific halibut caught with fixed gear can be found at
50 CFR 679.7(a)(13).

Catch Handling Requirements for LONGLINERS:
✔

Deployment of pot and hook/line gear in the same set is prohibited.

✔

All catch must be handled within view of the cameras as defined in the camera
descriptions and deck diagram in Appendix A - Vessel Installation Details.

✔

All catch processing from the previous set must be complete prior to hauling the next set.

Catch Handling Requirements for SINGLE POT GEAR:
✔

Deployment of pot and hook/line gear in the same set is prohibited.

✔

All catch must be handled within view of the cameras as defined in the camera
descriptions and deck diagram in Appendix A - Vessel Installation Details.

✔

On retrieval of a pot, ALL catch must be emptied from the pot onto the sorting table.
Any catch left in the pot or that land on the deck must be placed on the sorting table. If
there is no sorting table, all catch (retained or discard) must be sorted in view of the
cameras.

✔

Any retained (or discarded) catch should be handled in a way to ensure reviewers are
able to count the catch (do not sweep fish into the hold, etc.).

✔

In cases where there is a large quantity of catch to be discarded, discard them in a way
that allows reviewers to count the discarded catch (do not grab handfuls of 2–8 flatfish
or 3–5 crabs, etc.).

✔

Completely clear all catch, especially Pacific cod, off the table and deck before the
next pot is dumped (so that catch from 2 pots is not mixed).
o
o

Pacific cod should be cleared from the table a few at a time (to allow EM reviewer
to count the retained catch).
If all of the snails and sea urchins cannot be cleared off the table or deck before the
next pot is dumped, they should be cleared by the next pot or as soon as feasible.
6

Catch Handling Requirements for STRING POT / SLINKY POT GEAR:
✔

Deployment of pot and hook/line gear in the same set is prohibited.

✔

All catch must be handled within view of the cameras as defined in the camera
descriptions and deck diagram in Appendix A - Vessel Installation Details.

✔

On retrieval of a pot, ALL catch must be emptied from the pot onto the sorting table. Any
catch left in the pot or that land on the deck must be placed on the sorting table. If there
is no sorting table, all catch (retained or discard) must be sorted in view of the cameras.

✔

Any retained (or discarded) catch should be handled in a way to ensure reviewers are
able to count the catch (do not sweep fish into the hold, etc.).

✔

In cases where there is a large quantity of catch to be discarded, please discard them in
a way that allows reviewers to count the discarded catch (do not grab handfuls of 2–8
flatfish or 3–5 crabs, etc.).

✔

Completely clear all catch prior to starting a new haul for string/slinky pots (so that catch
from 2 hauls are not mixed). Note that catch between pots can be mixed, as long as
they are part of the same haul.
o
o

Sablefish should be cleared from the table a few at a time (to allow EM reviewer to
count the retained catch).
If all of the snails and sea urchins cannot be cleared off the table or deck before the
next pot is dumped, they should be cleared by the next pot or as soon as feasible.

Owners of pot vessels may propose alternatives to these procedures by
submitting plans to NMFS for approval. This alternative may not be used
until approved by NMFS.
Trip End for All Vessels
✔ Mail hard drive and logbook
Mail hard drives and a copy of the trip’s logbook (IPHC or NMFS logbook or EM effort
logbook, as appropriate) and the ODDS trip number within 2 business days after the
EM selected trip to the contact provided in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator.
o EM selected trips ending in ports with limited postal service: Email NMFS of the
expected delay using the following email address: nmfs.akr.vmp@noaa.gov
o Be sure to plan for future trips and request additional storage from your EM service
provider as necessary.
✔ Close fishing trip in ODDS: Prior to logging another trip or within 2 weeks of the end of the
fishing trip selected for EM coverage, you must close the fishing trip in ODDS.
o

Additional information for EM selected trips starting or ending at a tender

✔ If your trip starts at a tender, you must manually turn on the EM system and trigger recording
at the start of the trip to allow the EM reviewer to verify that the trip begins at a tender.
7

✔ If your trip ends at a tender, you must manually turn on the EM system and trigger recording
at the start of the offload to allow the EM reviewer to verify the end of the trip.
✔ Record the location of the offload in your logbook.
✔ Mail hard drives and a copy of the trip’s logbook (IPHC or NMFS logbook or EM effort
logbook, as appropriate) and the ODDS trip number within 2 business days after the tender’s
arrival in a port with regular postal service.
✔ Equipment Malfunction while delivering to a tender
o If a high priority malfunction is found prior to trip start, you must contact your EM
Service Provider using the information in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator.
▪ Your EM Service Provider may request a trip release from NMFS for your EM
selected trip. If the trip release is granted, you may depart on your EM selected
trip without observing the 72 hour repair period at the tender. You may depart
once NMFS notifies you or your EM Service Provider that the trip release has
been granted. A repair for the high priority malfunction must occur prior to
departing on the next trip. If you obtain a trip release, the next logged trip will
be selected for EM coverage.
o If you fail to repair the high priority malfunction prior to departing on the next trip, you
will be in violation of the VMP. This could result in OLE action or removal from the EM
pool.

Vessels Using the Exemption at § 679.7(f)(4) to Fishing IFQ in Multiple Areas
You must still meet all the requirements for use of an EM system on every trip when fishing using
the exemption at § 679.7(f)(4) to fishing IFQ in multiple areas.
✔ The EM system must be powered continuously during the fishing trip. If the EM system is
powered down during periods of non-fishing, you must describe alternate methods, such as
VMS, to make sure the vessel’s location information is available for the entire trip in Appendix
A - Vessel Installation Details.
✔ If an EM system malfunction identified as “high” priority in the malfunction matrix occurs
during a fishing trip, you must cease fishing immediately; follow the troubleshooting
guidelines listed in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator, and contact NOAA OLE
immediately.
o

If a “high” priority malfunction occurs, every effort should be made to contact OLE
while at sea, but if you are unable to contact OLE while at sea, you are not required
to abandon fishing gear. You should also contact the EM service provider to facilitate
the repair.

o

You may contact OLE using a cell phone or satellite phone, or you may contact the
U.S. Coast Guard via VHF or single side band radio to request the Coast Guard
contact OLE.

o

You must not set additional gear once a “high” priority malfunction is detected and
must return to port immediately if unable to contact OLE at sea.

✔ You may purchase additional equipment, such as cameras or control centers, at you own
expense to reduce lost fishing time. This additional equipment and its purpose must be
described in Appendix A - Vessel Installation Details.
8

Enforcement Contacts
Juneau
(907) 586-7225

Anchorage
(907) 271-1823

Dutch Harbor
(907) 581-2061

Kodiak
(907) 486-3298

Homer
(907) 235-2337

Ketchikan
(907) 247-5804

Petersburg
(907) 772-2285

Seward
(907) 224-5349

Sitka
(907) 747-6940

Between the hours of 6 am and midnight, you may also call (907) 586-7202 #1

9

Equipment Malfunctions
Equipment Malfunction Discovered During Pre-Departure EM System Function Test
If the function test identifies a malfunction, follow the troubleshooting guidelines listed in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator.

High/Low
Priority

Potential Solution

Monitor

High

Connect a different
monitor

GPS

High

Restart system

Insufficient Storage

High

Replace with spare
data drive1

Control Center

High

Restart system

Insufficient Lighting

High

Replace lights

Hauling Camera(s)

High

Restart system; replace
with spare camera1

Discard Camera(s)

High

Restart system; replace
with spare camera1

Streamer line
Camera

Low

Restart system; replace
with spare camera1

Rotation Sensor

Low

Carry spare rotation
equipment1

Hydraulic Sensor

Low

Restart system

Keyboard/Mouse

Low

Replace with another
keyboard/mouse1

Malfunction Type

1

Action if Malfunction Not Resolved
Must remain in port up to 72 hours to allow for repairs. After 72 hours, may
depart on trip and the next trip is selected for EM coverage. Repair must occur
prior to departing on the next trip.
Must remain in port up to 72 hours to allow for repairs. After 72 hours, may
depart on trip and the next trip is selected for EM coverage. Repair must occur
prior to departing on the next trip.
Must remain in port up to 72 hours to allow for repairs. After 72 hours, may
depart on trip and the next trip is selected for EM coverage. Repair must occur
prior to departing on the next trip.
Must remain in port up to 72 hours to allow for repairs. After 72 hours, may
depart on trip and the next trip is selected for EM coverage. Repair must occur
prior to departing on the next trip.
May fish but cannot retrieve gear at night.
Must remain in port up to 72 hours to allow for repairs. After 72 hours, may
depart on trip and the next trip is selected for EM coverage. Repair must occur
prior to departing on the next trip.
Must remain in port up to 72 hours to allow for repairs. After 72 hours, may
depart on trip and the next trip is selected for EM coverage. Repair must occur
prior to departing on the next trip.
May depart on trip. Before departing on another trip selected for EM
coverage, must contact EM service provider to schedule repair.
May depart on trip, but must trigger video manually. Before departing on
another trip selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service provider to
schedule repair.
May depart on trip, but must trigger video manually. Before departing on
another trip selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service provider to
schedule repair.
May continue fishing provided that the sensors are properly triggering
automatic recording. Before departing on another trip selected for EM
coverage, must contact EM service provider to schedule repair.

Vessels may choose to purchase additional spare parts, such as cameras or sensors, but these items will not be provided by NMFS.

10

Equipment Malfunction at Sea
If the system passed the function test, and remains continuously powered during the trip, you are NOT required to return to port in the event
of a breakdown. Follow the instructions provided in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator.
▪ If the malfunction cannot be resolved following the troubleshooting guide and/or with remote support, continue to run the system with all
functional parts, and contact the service provider immediately (from sea if possible) to assist with scheduling service at the time of landing.
High/Low
Potential Solution
Action if Malfunction Not Resolved
Malfunction Type
Priority
Attempt to repair prior to retrieving gear. If cannot repair must contact EM service
Connect a
provider at end of trip. Repair must occur prior to departing on the next EM selected
High
Monitor
different monitor
trip.
Attempt to troubleshoot issue prior to retrieving gear. If cannot repair must contact EM
service provider at end of trip. Repair must occur prior to departing on the next EM
High
GPS
Restart system
selected trip.
Perform a data retrieval and swap data drive with a new blank data drive. If cannot
Replace with
repair must contact EM service provider at end of trip. Repair must occur prior to
High
Insufficient Storage
spare data drive
departing on the next EM selected trip.
Attempt to repair prior to retrieving gear. If cannot repair must contact EM service
provider at end of trip. Repair must occur prior to departing on the next EM selected
High
Control Center
Restart system
trip.
May fish but cannot retrieve gear at night.
High
Insufficient Lighting
Replace lights
▪

2

Hauling Camera(s)

High

Deck/Discard
Camera(s)

High

Streamer line
Camera

Low

Rotation Sensor

Low

Keyboard/Mouse

Low

Hydraulic Sensor

Low

Restart system;
replace with spare
camera2
Restart system;
replace with spare
camera2
Restart system;
replace with spare
camera2
Carry spare
rotation
equipment2
Replace with
another
keyboard/mouse2
Restart system

Attempt to repair prior to retrieving gear. If cannot repair must contact EM service
provider at end of trip. Repair must occur prior to departing on the next EM selected
trip.
Attempt to repair prior to retrieving gear. If cannot repair must contact EM service
provider at end of trip. Repair must occur prior to departing on the next EM selected
trip.
May continue on trip. Before departing on another trip selected for EM coverage,
must contact EM service provider to schedule repair.
May continue trip, but must trigger video manually. Before departing on another trip
selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service provider to schedule repair.
May continue fishing provided sensors are triggering automatic recording properly.
Before departing on another trip selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service
provider to schedule repair.
May continue trip, but must trigger video manually. Before departing on another trip
selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service provider to schedule repair.

Vessels may choose to purchase additional spare parts, such as cameras or sensors, but these items will not be provided by NMFS.

11

Equipment Malfunctions for Vessels Fishing IFQ in Multiple Areas using the Exemption at § 679.7(f)(4)
For any malfunction identified as “High” priority, the vessel operator must cease fishing immediately, follow the troubleshooting
guidelines listed in Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator, and contact NOAA OLE immediately.
High/Low
Priority

Potential Solution

Continuous Power
to System

High

Check power
supply to system

Monitor

High

Connect a
different monitor3

GPS

High

Restart system

Insufficient Storage

High

Control Center

High

Insufficient Lighting

High

Hauling Camera(s)

High

Deck/Discard
Camera(s)

High

Streamer line
Camera

Low

Rotation Sensor

Low

Restart system.
Carry spare sensor3

Hydraulic Sensor

Low

Restart system.
Carry spare sensor3

Low

Replace with
another
keyboard/mouse3

Malfunction Type

Keyboard/Mouse

3

Replace with
spare data drive
Restart system
Replace lights
Restart system;
replace with spare
camera3
Restart system;
replace with spare
camera3
Restart system;
replace with spare
camera3

Action if Malfunction Not Resolved
Cease fishing and contact OLE or you may not embark on trip using exemption. If
system powered down during non-fishing, VMP must describe alternative methods to
record location information
Cease fishing and contact OLE or you may not embark on trip using exemption.
Cease fishing and contact OLE or you may not embark on trip using exemption unless
vessel has operating VMS and hauling and discard cameras are functioning.
If vessel does not have a spare data drive, cease fishing and contact OLE or you may
not embark on trip using exemption.
Cease fishing and contact OLE or you may not embark on trip using exemption.
May fish but cannot retrieve gear at night
Cease fishing and contact OLE or you may not embark on trip using exemption.
Cease fishing and contact OLE or you may not embark on trip using exemption.
May depart on trip or continue trip. Before departing on another trip selected for EM
coverage, must contact EM service provider to schedule repair.
May depart on trip or continue trip, but must trigger video manually. Before departing
on another trip selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service provider to
schedule repair.
May depart on trip or continue trip, but must trigger video manually. Must contact EM
service provider to schedule repair before departing on another trip where EM is
required.
May continue fishing provided sensors are triggering automatic recording properly.
Before departing on another trip selected for EM coverage, must contact EM service
provider to schedule repair.

Vessel owners may choose to purchase additional spare parts, such as cameras or sensors, but these items will not be provided by NMFS.
12

Appendix A – Vessel Installation Details
[To be completed by the EM service provider]
●
●
●
●
●

Include a description and diagram of the installation on the vessel including the number and location of cameras
and define their use (e.g., rail, deck, streamer line, sorting table).
Provide images of camera views.
Describe the location of lighting, control center, GPS, sensors, monitor, and other EM equipment.
List the frame rates, image resolution, frequency of logging, sensor trigger threshold values, and other EM system
specifications.
Describe additional equipment and its purpose to allow a vessel to continue fishing IFQ in multiple areas using
the exemption at § 679.7(f)(4).

13

Appendix B – Guide for Vessel Operator
[To be completed by the EM service provider.]

EM system user’s guide
[Provide EM system specific information including…
● Describe how to retrieve a hard drive, how to power up the system, how to do a function test, system, etc.
● Provide the detained steps that will be taken to minimize the potential for EM system malfunctions and the
troubleshooting steps if malfunctions occur.]

Vessel-specific handling protocols or instructions
[List any special handling protocols that may apply to a particular vessel, including description and diagrams of discard
control points (if applicable), specific procedures for sorting discards, and steps that need to be taken to ensure all catch
remains in camera view.]

14

Appendix C – Signature Page
This certifies that the vessel owner/operator has been trained in the function and operation
of the Electronic Monitoring (EM) system installed on the vessel and that the vessel
owner/operator must comply with the components of this Vessel Monitoring Plan. A signed
copy of this VMP must be aboard at all times when the vessel is directed fishing in a fishery
subject to EM coverage. Digital signatures are acceptable.

Vessel owner/operator signature:

Signer’s relationship to vessel (such as owner, operator, designated representative):

Date:

EM Service Provider signature:
Date:

NMFS Representative Signature:
Date:

15

Appendix D – Longline EM Effort Logbook
Vessel Name:

Start Port:

ADF&G Number:

Trip Start Date (mm/dd/yyyy):

Offload Port:

Operator Name:

Offload Date (mm/dd/yyyy):

ODDS Trip Number:

Did you haul at night?
Y N
Did the EM system function normally the entire trip?
If no, please describe any problems:

Set
Date (mm/dd)

Y N

Haulback
Start Time

Date (mm/dd)

Gear
ID
A
B
C
D

Start Time

Marine
Mammals
Feeding on
Catch?
Y N

Seabirds
Caught?
Y

N

Gear
Type

Length of
Skate (Feet)

Did you
discard
legal-sized
halibut?
Y N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Hook
Size

Gear ID

Hook
Spacing (ft)

No. Skates
Set

No. Hooks
Per Skate

No. Skates
Lost

16

Appendix E – Pot EM Effort Logbook
Vessel Name:

Did you use string pots/slinky pots?

Y N

Start Port:

ADF&G Number:

Trip Start Date (mm/dd):

Offload Port:

Operator Name:

Offload Date (mm/dd):

ODDS Trip Number:

Did you set pots at night?

Y N

Did you retrieve pots at night?

Did the EM system function normally the entire trip?
If no, please describe any problems:

Date (mm/dd)

Set

Start Time

Y

Y N

Other Trip Comments:

N

Date (mm/dd)

How much gear did you fish? (e.g., 60 pots)

Retrieval

Start Time

# of Pots Set

# of Pots Retrieved

17

PUBLIC REPORTING BURDEN STATEMENT

A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to a penalty for failure to comply with an information collection subject to the requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 unless the information collection has a currently valid OMB Control Number. The approved OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 0648-0318. Without this approval, we could not conduct this
information collection. Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 48 hours per
response, including the time for reviewing the instructions, searching the existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the information collection. Responses to this information
collection are required pursuant to 50 CFR part 679 and under section 402(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C.
1801, et seq.). This template is used to develop a Vessel Monitoring Plan. Send comments regarding the burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to
Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box
21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Before completing this form, please note the following: 1) This information is required to manage commercial fishing
efforts under 50 CFR part 679 and under section 402(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.) as amended by Public Law 109-479; 2) Responses to
this information request are confidential under section 402(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. They are also confidential
under NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, which sets forth procedures to protect confidentiality of fishery statistics.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

AUTHORITY: The collection of this information is authorized under the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
PURPOSE: NMFS uses information submitted in this VMP to determine whether the configuration of the EM system and
associated equipment will meet the data collection objectives and purpose of the EM Program, including camera
locations to cover all fishing activities, any sensors to detect fish activities, and any special catch handling requirements.
The VMP also describes methods to troubleshoot the EM system and instructions for the vessel operator to ensure the
EM system is functioning properly.
ROUTINE USES: This information is used for compliance purposes and is not disclosed to the public.
DISCLOSURE: Providing information in this VMP is required for vessels placed in the EM selection pool of the North
Pacific Observer Program. Participation in the EM selection pool is voluntary, and a vessel owner may request to be
included in or removed from the EM selection pool annually.

18