NOAA Fisheries

NOAA: The GOM VMS Requirement for Charter/Headboat Vessels is 3-1-22

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

Key Message: The Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement will become effective March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council selected the VMS requirement to enhance recreational data and catch limit tracking in the Gulf of Mexico for improved fisheries management. When:…

January 2022 Council Update

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually from January 24-27, 2022. The Council began by electing Dr. Greg Stunz as Vice Chair. The Council also revised and adopted Committee assignments through August 2022. The following is a brief overview of what was accomplished during the meeting: Vermilion Snapper After hearing…

Venting Tools or Descending Devices Required for All Fishermen Targeting Reef Fish

photo of red snapper with barotrauma on descending device

The Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act of 2020 (DESCEND Act of 2020) was signed into law on January 13, 2021. The new Act will require commercial, for-hire, and private recreational vessels to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to…

NOAA Fisheries Announces a Temporary Rule Extending Use of Limited Tow Times in Lieu of TEDs

NOAA Fisheries is publishing a temporary rule to allow shrimp fishers to continue to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana state waters from 91° 23’ West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out three nautical miles. This temporary rule…

October 2021 Council Meeting Summary

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Orange Beach, Alabama October 25-28, 2021. The meeting began with the Council populating its Council Committees through August 2022. The following is a brief summary of the Council’s actions: Cobia The Council took final action on Coastal Migratory Pelagic Amendment…

NOAA Announces a Temp Rule Authorizing Tow Times in Lieu of TEDS in Some Areas

NOAA Fisheries is publishing a temporary rule to allow shrimp fishers to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana state waters from 91° 23’ West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out three nautical miles. This temporary rule is effective…

Implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Charter and Headboat Vessels Delayed

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries is delaying the implementation of the Gulf of Mexico vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement for the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program from December 13, 2021, to March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council requested the VMS requirement with the intention of enhancing…

NOAA Announces Survey Participation Requirement for GOM Federal For-Hire Permit Holders

As part of the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program, NOAA Fisheries is implementing an independent, dockside intercept survey called the SEFHIER Validation Survey. Vessels with federal for-hire permits for Gulf Reef Fish or Gulf Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish are required to participate in the SEFHIER Validation Survey. When: Effective…

Recreational and Commercial Seasons For Lane Snapper Closing In Louisiana Waters

The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 18, 2021, and will remain closed until January 1, 2022. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal…

Temporary TED Exemption for Skimmer Vessels 40’ in Length or Greater

On September 9, 2021, the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo, United States District Judge, granted a motion from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for a preliminary injunction on the federal TED requirements on skimmer vessels 40 feet in length or greater. This order delays implementation of the requirements of…

Commitment to Privacy at LSU

LSU Data Privacy

Privacy Questions:

Personal Data Requests: