Electronic Monitoring Systems for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS)

This request is for an extension without revision of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) electronic monitoring (EM) and vessel monitoring system (VMS) information collection. The burden and cost estimates have been updated to reflect minor changes in the number of permit holders, and hourly labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. EM and VMS provide essential data to monitor vessel-based bluefin tuna quotas, while VMS also provides location data needed to enforce fishery closed areas. The legislative authorities to collect data from the various sectors of the economy that harvest marine resources in the exclusive economic zone are the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA). Under this dual authority, the Secretary of Commerce has promulgated rules that require specific types of record keeping and data submissions. HMS are species that travel long distances and often cross domestic and international boundaries. NOAA Fisheries manages HMS fisheries—tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish—in U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America, and Caribbean waters.

The latest form for Electronic Monitoring Systems for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) expires 2028-05-31 and can be found here.

Vessel Monitoring System for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species - purchase, installation and activation checklist

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

Review document collections for all forms, instructions, and supporting documents - including paper/printable forms.