Changes in Life Raft Requirements for Commercial Fishing Vessels

2/24/2022 - The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program will be discontinuing the usage of supplemental valise life rafts by observers and at-sea monitors on June 30, 2023. According to 46 U.S.C. § 4502(b)(2)(B) it is the vessel's responsibility to have a properly installed life craft, when applicable, with capacity to hold all persons… SEE MORE

March Saltwater Fishing Reopenings in the Gulf

2/23/2022 - The following species will reopen to recreational harvest March 1:  Gray triggerfish reopens in Gulf state and federal waters. If you plan to fish for gray triggerfish in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To… SEE MORE
https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov

NOAA Releases 2022 Hydrographic Survey Season Plans

2/11/2022 - NOAA hydrographic survey ships and contractors are preparing for the 2022 hydrographic survey season in U.S. coastal waters and beyond. The ships collect bathymetric data (i.e. map the seafloor) to support nautical charting, modeling, and research, but also collect other environmental data to support a variety of ecosystem sciences. NOAA considers hydrographic survey requests… SEE MORE