Pacific Islands Region Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements

This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection. This collection of information covers regulatory requirements for fishing vessel and gear identification authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other applicable laws. All vessels fishing under Federal permits issued by the Pacific Islands Region must display identification markings on vessels as specified in 50 CFR Part 665. Regulations at 50 CFR 665.16 require that all U.S. vessels with Federal permits fishing for western Pacific fishery management unit species display identification markings on the vessel. Each Vessel registered for use with a permit issued under Subparts B through E and Subparts G through I of 50 CFR 665, must have the vessel’s official number displayed on both sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck. Regulations at 50 CFR 300.35 require that each vessel fishing under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty must display its international radio call sign on the hull, the deck, and on the sides of auxiliary equipment, such as skiffs and helicopters. Vessels fishing for highly migratory species in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention Area and in international waters must comply with the regulations at 50 CFR 300.217 requiring the display of the vessel’s international radio call sign on both sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck, unless specifically exempted. In each case, the numbers must be a specific size and in specified locations. The display of the identifying numbers aids in fishery law enforcement. The regulations at 50 CFR 665.128, 665.228, 665.428, 665.628, and 665.804 require that certain fishing gear must be marked. In the pelagic longline fisheries, the vessel operator must ensure that the official number of the vessel is affixed to every longline buoy and float. In the coral reef ecosystem fisheries, the vessel number must be affixed to all fish and crab traps. The marking of gear links fishing or other activity to the vessel, aids law enforcement, and is valuable in actions concerning the damage to or loss of gear, and civil proceedings.

The latest form for Pacific Islands Region Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements expires 2027-11-30 and can be found here.

Gear ID Requirements

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Natural Resources - Conservation, Marine and Land Management