Vessel Operator Permitting

The vessel operator permit enables NOAA Fisheries to send notices of proposed and approved regulatory changes to vessel operators, as well as vessel owners, improving the flow of information to the industry. These permits are required for all operators of vessels issued Federal permits for all fisheries managed by the Northeast Regional Office of NMFS. The possible revocation of vessel, dealer, and operator permits helps to ensure compliance with reporting and other fishery specific regulatory requirements. Experience has shown that fines for violations of specific fishery regulations are not as effective as the threat of withdrawing or not renewing permits. Fines for fishing without a permit can be more substantial and easier to enforce than fines for other violations. Vessel owners may be willing to pay the lower fines if the violation brings enough economic benefit, but do not want to be excluded from the fishery.

The current vessel operator system serves only the Northeast Region. This will soon be replaced by a joint NERO - SERO system that serves the operator permit needs of both regional offices. The new system will physically reside at NERO, but will be accessible and able to issue and track permits by both offices via a web browser.

All fishing industry related data managed by IRM is considered to be business confidential and may not be released without written consent of the data originator.

Access to data is governed by 50CFR600 - Confidentiality of Information. Access by state fishery management agency staff and Fisheries Management Council staff may be allowed through Memorandum of Understanding that are signed by the Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator and Directors of the State Agency or Councils that describe the need and uses of the data and list the individuals who will have access to the data. Contractors may be granted access provided they are working under contract to NOAA or a cooperating partner (state, Council, Commission) on a specific project under the oversight of a partner.

Access is restricted to personnel authorized in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100. A signed non-disclosure agreement must be on file for all authorized personnel. The IRM help desk or APSD Data Request staff are the POC for non-disclosure forms.

Relational database.