March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Government to test new system to track N.E. fishing boats

New England groundfishermen and scallopers will test a new satellite system this winter that automatically records the number of days their vessels are out fishing, the National Marine Fisheries Service said Thursday.

Federal fishing regulations allow groundfish and scallop vessels to spend only a certain number of days per year at sea. Under the current system, all permit holders must call an 800 number before they leave the dock. They must call again when they return.

In the new monitoring system, a satellite picks up an electronic signal continuously emitted by a unit on board the vessel. It automatically records the beginning and end of the fishing trip.

The experiment will run from Jan. 2 to March 31. Permit holders must apply to participate, and should have received an application in the mail. Completed applications must be received by Dec. 15 at the NMFS Gloucester, Mass., regional office.


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