Today, NOAA Fisheries announces that for the remainder of fishing year 2022 (through April 30, 2023), sectors will be required to have human at-sea monitors on 80 percent of all vessel trips subject to the groundfish sector monitoring program (referred to as at-sea monitoring), a reduction from the 99-percent target implemented May 1, 2022. The coverage rate changed based on the specific direction in how the funds enacted in FY22 could be spent. This does not change the review rates for electronic monitoring video footage.
We will continue to reimburse 100 percent of sector at-sea monitoring costs, including electronic monitoring. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will continue to administer the reimbursement program for Fishing Year 2022.
For more information, please read our letter (PDF, 2 pages) to the New England Fishery Management Council.
