Electronic Monitoring Service Provider Permit and EM Service Plan

A valid Electronic Monitoring Provider Permit is required to provide electronic monitoring (EM) services for vessels authorized to use EM systems in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery.

As part of an application for an Electronic Monitoring Provider Permit, a service provider must develop and submit an EM Service Plan (EMSP) that describes in detail how the applicant will provide EM services for vessels.

Fishery Type: Limited Access

Harvest Type: Commercial

Species Covered: Groundfish

Online Renewal: Yes

Logbook Requirements: Yes 

Transferable: No

Expiration Date: Biennially, December 31 of the year following EM provider permit issuance. ESMPs are resubmitted during permit renewal, and may be changed at any time prior to renewal by submitting an amendment request to NMFS.

Fishing Area: EEZ off of Washington, Oregon, and California coasts

Forms:

• Electronic Monitoring Service Provider: Online Application
• 2020 West Coast Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Program: Service Plan Guidelines (PDF)

Background

The West Coast Regional Office issues and renews permits. Regulations governing this fishery can be found at Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 660, Subparts D and E. Rules for Electronic Monitoring can be found at Subpart J. 

For more detailed information on the West Coast Electronic Monitoring Program visit:

Final Rule for the use of Electronic Monitoring in the Pacific Whiting, and Fixed Gear Fisheries (84 FR 31146, June 28, 2019)

Additional Requirements

The NOAA Fisheries West Coast Groundfish Permit Office is working to provide online resources to allow business owners and individuals to apply for permits and to renew existing permits.  New users will need to create a registered user account in order to submit information required for an EM Service Provider Permit to the Permit Office.  Use the following link to create a new user registration:

Electronic Monitoring Service Provider: New User Online Registration Webpage

Need Help?

West Coast Groundfish Fishing Permits
West Coast Regional Office
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg. 1
Seattle, WA 98115-0070 
Phone: (206) 526-4353