Approval of Northeast Multispecies Monitoring Service Providers for Fishing Year 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has approved nine companies to provide at-sea catch monitoring (ASM) and electronic catch monitoring (EM) services for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery for fishing year 2026. This approval is required for companies to provide monitoring services that meet performance standards set by NMFS. The approved providers will help sectors with compliance and monitoring during the fishing year, ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Approval of nine monitoring service providers for fishing year 2026.
- Continuity for previously approved companies without needing a full application.
- Implementation of performance standards for monitoring service providers.
Obligations
What this law requires
Approved ASM and EM service providers must maintain coverage levels as specified in 50 CFR 648.11(h)(5) and (6) to remain eligible for approval
Previously approved ASM and EM companies must submit annually: updated Emergency Action Plan, evidence of adequate insurance coverage, and any updates to staffing or operations
Service providers whose insurance expires before April 30, 2027 must submit updated insurance documents at the time of policy expiration to maintain approval
New ASM and EM companies must submit complete applications meeting the criteria in 50 CFR 648.11(h) for NMFS approval before providing monitoring services
All service providers must maintain proof of holding insurance consistent with regulations at 50 CFR 648.11(h)(3)(vii) throughout the approval period