October 16, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
On March 5, 2020, NOAA Fisheries created a gear code, “OBP” for use in Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) to report use of the large mesh belly panel trawl. Vessels may choose to use the gear in a number of fisheries and as an approved selective gear for vessels using the sector small mesh exemption.
Please note that vessel operators must report the new gear code “OBP” in their VTRs whenever they use a large mesh belly panel trawl.
If you have used a large mesh belly panel trawl on a past trip and believe that you did not use the appropriate gear code on your VTR for that trip, please call 978-282-8418 or email us to request a correction.
Information on VTRs and other reporting requirements are available on the Vessel Trip Reporting page, including a downloadable instructions document. The document lists gear codes and other information to help industry ensure that their submitted VTRs are accurate.