50 CFR Part 300, Subpart R

50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
High Seas Fisheries

50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (Feb. 18, 2025)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 50 —Wildlife and Fisheries
Chapter III —International Fishing and Related Activities
Part 300 —International Fisheries Regulations
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5501 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 2431 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 9701 et seq.
Source: 61 FR 35550, July 5, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart R High Seas Fisheries
§ 300.330 Purpose.
§ 300.331 Definitions.
§ 300.332 Issuing offices.
§ 300.333 Vessel permits.
§ 300.334 Fisheries authorized on the high seas.
§ 300.335 Bottom fishing.
§ 300.336 Vessel identification.
§ 300.337 Requirements for Enhanced Mobile Transceiver Units (EMTUs).
§ 300.338 Observers.
§ 300.339 Transshipment on the high seas.
§ 300.340 Prohibitions.
§ 300.341 Reporting.
Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 300 appear at 64 FR 44431, Aug. 16, 1999, and at 76 FR 59305,
Sept. 26, 2011.

Subpart R—High Seas Fisheries
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5501 et seq.
Source: 80 FR 62495, Oct. 16, 2015, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 81 FR 51137, Aug. 3, 2016.

§ 300.330 Purpose.
This subpart implements the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995 (Act), which requires the Secretary to
license U.S. vessels fishing on the high seas and to ensure that such vessels do not operate in contravention of
international conservation and management measures recognized by the United States.

50 CFR 300.330 (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
High Seas Fisheries

50 CFR 300.331

§ 300.331 Definitions.
In addition to the terms defined in section 300.2 and those in the Act and the Agreement to Promote Compliance
with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, adopted by the
Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on November 24, 1993 (Agreement), the
terms used in this subpart have the following meanings. If a term is defined differently in section 300.2, the Act, or
the Agreement, the definition in this section shall apply.
Bottom fishing means fishing using gear that is likely to contact the seafloor during the normal course of fishing
operations.
Enhanced mobile transceiver unit (EMTU) is defined in 50 CFR 600.1500.
High seas means the waters beyond the territorial sea or exclusive economic zone (or the equivalent) of any
Nation, to the extent that such territorial sea or exclusive economic zone (or the equivalent) is recognized
by the United States.
High seas fishing permit means a permit issued under this subpart.
High seas fishing vessel means any vessel of the United States used or intended for use on the high seas for the
purpose of the commercial exploitation of living marine resources and as a harvesting vessel, mothership,
or any other support vessel directly engaged in a fishing operation. Support vessels include vessels that
process or transship fish on the high seas; provide supplies, personnel or fuel on the high seas to other
fishing vessels; or conduct other activities in support of, or in preparation for fishing.
International conservation and management measures means measures to conserve or manage one or more
species of living marine resources that are adopted and applied in accordance with the relevant rules of
international law, as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that are
recognized by the United States. Such measures may be adopted by global, regional, or sub-regional
fisheries organizations, subject to the rights and obligations of their members, or by treaties or other
international agreements.
Observer means any person serving in the capacity of an observer employed by NMFS, either directly or under
contract with a third party, or certified as an observer by NMFS.
Office Director means the director of the NMFS Office for International Affairs and Seafood Inspection.
Regional Administrator means any one of the Directors of a NMFS regional office, defined under § 300.2.
Transship or transshipment means offloading or receiving or otherwise transferring fish or fish products from
one fishing vessel to another. Excluded from this definition is net sharing, which means the transfer of fish
that have not yet been loaded on board any fishing vessel from the purse seine net of one vessel to
another fishing vessel. Fish shall be considered to be on board a fishing vessel once they are on a deck or
in a hold, or once they are first lifted out of the water by the vessel.
Vessel monitoring system (VMS) is defined in 50 CFR 600.1500.

§ 300.332 Issuing offices.
Any Regional Administrator or the Office Director may issue permits required under this subpart. While applicants
for permits may submit an application to any Regional Administrator or the Office Director, applicants are
encouraged to submit their applications (with envelopes marked “Attn: HSFCA Permits”) to the Regional
Administrator or the Office Director with whom they normally interact on fisheries matters.
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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.333

§ 300.333 Vessel permits.
(a) Eligibility.
(1) Any vessel owner or operator of a high seas fishing vessel is eligible to receive a permit for a fishery
authorized on the high seas under this subpart, unless the vessel was previously authorized to be
used for fishing on the high seas by a foreign nation, and—
(i)

The foreign nation suspended such authorization, because the vessel undermined the
effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, and the suspension
has not expired; or

(ii) The foreign nation, within the 3 years preceding application for a permit under this section,
withdrew such authorization, because the vessel undermined the effectiveness of international
conservation and management measures.
(2) The restrictions in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section do not apply if ownership of the vessel
has changed since the vessel undermined the effectiveness of international conservation and
management measures, and the new owner has provided sufficient evidence to the Regional
Administrator or Office Director demonstrating that the owner and operator at the time the vessel
undermined the effectiveness of such measures have no further legal, beneficial, or financial interest
in, or control of, the vessel.
(3) The restrictions in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section do not apply if it is determined by the
Regional Administrator or Office Director that issuing a permit would not subvert the purposes of the
Agreement.
(b) Applicability. Any high seas fishing vessel used for fishing, as defined under § 300.2, on the high seas
must have on board a valid permit issued under this subpart.
(c) Application. Permit application forms are available from the NMFS Web site or from any Regional
Administrator or the Office Director. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application, along with all
other required documentation and the specified fee will preclude issuance of a permit. To apply for a
permit under this subpart, the owner or operator of a high seas fishing vessel must submit the following
to a Regional Administrator or Office Director:
(1) A complete, accurate application form signed by the vessel owner or operator.
(2) Information required under this section and § 300.334(a).
(3) A color photograph showing an entire bow-to-stern side-view of the vessel in its current form and
appearance. The photograph must clearly and legibly display the vessel name and identification
markings. If the vessel's form or appearance materially changes (such as the vessel is painted
another color, the vessel's identification markings change, or the vessel undergoes a structural
modification) the vessel owner and operator must submit a new photograph of the vessel within 15
days of the change.
(4) For vessels with state registration instead of U.S. Coast Guard documentation, the applicant must
supply additional vessel information that NMFS may request.
(5) The fee specified in the application form. Payment by a commercial instrument later determined to
be insufficiently funded will invalidate any permit. NMFS charges this fee to recover the
administrative expenses of permit issuance, and the amount of the fee is determined in accordance
with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook.
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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.333(d)

(d) Permit issuance and validity.
(1) Except as provided for in subpart D of 15 CFR part 904, and subject to paragraphs (a), (c), and (d)(2)
and (3) of this section, the Regional Administrator or Office Director will issue a permit, which will
include applicable conditions or restrictions, within 15 days of receipt of a completed application
and payment of the appropriate fee.
(2) The Regional Administrator or Office Director will not issue a permit unless an EMTU has been
installed and activated on the vessel in accordance with § 300.337(c)(2).
(3) The Regional Administrator or Office Director will not issue a permit unless the applicant holds a
valid permit for the subject vessel for any U.S. domestic fisheries related to the authorized high seas
fishery.
(4) Except as otherwise provided, permits issued under this subpart are valid for 5 years from the date
of issuance. For a permit to remain valid to its expiration date, the vessel's U.S. Coast Guard
documentation or state registration must be kept current. A permit issued under this subpart is void
when the vessel owner or the name of the vessel changes, or in the event the vessel is no longer
eligible for U.S. documentation, such documentation is revoked or denied, or the vessel is removed
from such documentation.
(5) A permit issued under this subpart is not transferable or assignable to another vessel or owner; it is
valid only for the vessel and owner to which it is issued.
(e) Display. A valid permit, or a copy thereof, issued under this subpart must be on board any high seas
fishing vessel while operating on the high seas and available for inspection by an authorized officer.
(f) Change in application information. Any changes in vessel documentation status or other permit
application information must be reported in writing to the Regional Administrator or Office Director who
issued the permit within 15 days of such changes.
(g) Renewal. Application for renewal of a permit prior to its expiration is the responsibility of the permit holder
and may be completed per § 300.333(c). The Regional Administrator or Office Director will not consider a
permit renewal application to be complete until the permit holder satisfies all required fishing activity
report requirements under the permit and § 300.341. The Regional Administrator or Office Director will not
issue a renewed permit unless an EMTU has been activated on the vessel in accordance with §
300.337(c)(2) and the applicant holds a valid permit for the subject vessel for any U.S. domestic fisheries
related to the authorized high seas fishery.
(h) Marine mammals and ESA-listed species. Permits issued under this section do not authorize vessels or
persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take marine mammals or ESA-listed species. No
marine mammals or ESA-listed species may be taken in the course of fishing operations unless the taking
is allowed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act or the Endangered Species Act (ESA), pursuant to
regulations, an authorization, or permit granted by NMFS or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
(i)

Permit Status Changes. NMFS may modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under this subpart if
permitted activities may impact living marine resources in ways that were not considered at the time of
permit issuance; are in contravention of an international conservation and management measure; or
violate any applicable law. NMFS will notify an affected permit holder of any potential change in permit
status by contacting the permit holder at the address of record provided on the permit application or as
updated pursuant to paragraph (f) of this subsection and will provide an opportunity to respond,
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable law.

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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.334

§ 300.334 Fisheries authorized on the high seas.
(a) General. When applying for a permit under § 300.333, the owner or operator of a high seas fishing vessel
must identify in the application the authorized fisheries in which he or she intends to fish. More than one
authorized fishery may be selected. The following fisheries are authorized on the high seas:
(1) 50 CFR part 300, subpart C—Eastern Pacific Tuna Fisheries.
(2) 50 CFR part 300, subpart D—South Pacific Tuna Fisheries.
(3) 50 CFR part 300, subpart G—Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
(4) 50 CFR part 635—Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries.
(5) 50 CFR part 660, subpart K—U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species.
(6) 50 CFR part 665, subpart F—Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries.
(7) South Pacific Albacore Troll Fishery.
(8) Northwest Atlantic Fishery.
(b) Requirements for authorized fisheries. For each of the authorized fisheries specified on the high seas
fishing permit, the owner or operator of the high seas fishing vessel must:
(1) Abide by the regulations, set forth in other parts of this chapter and Chapter VI, governing those
authorized fisheries while operating on the high seas;
(2) Obtain and renew any appropriate permits or authorizations; and
(3) Notify the Regional Administrator or Office Director who issued the permit immediately in the event
that a species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA is taken incidental to the fishing
activities without authorization under a relevant incidental take statement.
(c) Change in authorized fisheries. If a high seas fishing permit holder elects to change the authorized
fisheries specified on the permit, he or she shall notify the Regional Administrator or Office Director who
issued the permit of the change(s) and shall obtain the underlying permits for the authorized fisheries
prior to engaging in the fishery on the high seas. Per the process under § 300.333(d), the Regional
Administrator or Office Director will then issue a revised high seas fishing permit which will expire 5 years
from the original effective date.
(d) Revision of authorized fisheries list. Through rulemaking, NMFS will add a fishery to, or delete a fishery
from, the list in paragraph (a) of this section. NMFS may add or delete fisheries from the list after
completing any analyses required under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act,
National Environmental Policy Act, and other applicable laws. In taking such action, NMFS, in consultation
with the relevant Regional Fishery Management Council(s) where appropriate, will consider, among other
things, whether:
(1) The proposed fishing activities would detrimentally affect the well-being of the stock of any
regulated species of fish, marine mammal, or species listed as threatened or endangered under the
Endangered Species Act;
(2) The proposed fishing activities would be inconsistent with relevant fishery management plans and
their implementing regulations or other applicable law;

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50 CFR 300.334(d)(3)

(3) Insufficient mechanisms exist to effectively monitor the activities of vessels engaged in the
proposed fishing activities; or
(4) The proposed fishing activities would contravene international conservation and management
measures recognized by the United States.
(e) Request for revision of authorized fisheries list. A person may submit a written request to the Office
Director to add a fishery to or delete a fishery from the list. A request to delete a fishery from the list of
authorized fisheries must include the name of the fishery; information that addresses considerations
under paragraph (d) of this section; and, if requested by NMFS, any additional information necessary for
NMFS to conduct analyses required under applicable laws. A request to add a fishery to the list of
authorized fisheries must include the following information:
(1) The species (target and incidental) expected to be harvested and the anticipated amounts of such
harvest and bycatch;
(2) The approximate times and places when fishing is expected to take place, the number and type of
vessels expected to participate, and the type, size, and amount of gear expected to be used;
(3) A description of the specific area that may be affected by the fishing activities;
(4) A description of any anticipated impacts on the environment, including impacts on fisheries, marine
mammals, and species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or their critical habitat;
(5) Other information that addresses considerations under paragraph (d) of this section; and
(6) If requested by NMFS, any additional information necessary for NMFS to conduct analyses required
under applicable laws.
(7) Once all required information is received to proceed with consideration of a request, NMFS will
publish in the FEDERAL REGISTER a proposed rule, noting receipt of the request to add an authorized
fishery, and inviting information and comments. Relevant information received during the comment
period may be considered by NMFS and, where appropriate, the relevant Regional Fishery
Management Council(s), in analyzing potential environmental impacts of the fisheries and
developing any conditions or restrictions. Based on its analysis, considerations under paragraph (d)
of this section, and other relevant considerations, NMFS will publish its decision on the request in
the FEDERAL REGISTER.
(f) Deletion of a fishery from the authorized fisheries list. NMFS will delete (i.e., deauthorize) a fishery under
paragraph (d) or (e) of this section through publication of a final rule. NMFS will also provide notice to
affected permit holders by email and by Registered Mail at the addresses provided to NMFS in the high
seas permit application. When a fishery is deleted from the list, any activities on the high seas related to
that fishery are prohibited as of the effective date of the final rule. In addition, the high seas permit will be
voided unless the permit holder notifies NMFS that he or she elects to change to another authorized high
seas fishery or continue in any other authorized fisheries noted on the permit. Once the applicant so
notifies NMFS and, if necessary, secures any underlying permits necessary for participation in another
authorized high seas fishery, the Regional Administrator or Office Director will then issue a revised high
seas fishing permit per the process under § 300.333(d). The revised permit will expire 5 years from the
original effective date.

50 CFR 300.334(f) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.335

§ 300.335 Bottom fishing.
(a) Bottom fishing may be permitted on the high seas when authorized by international conservation and
management measures recognized by the United States. For bottom fishing activity not subject to
international conservation measures recognized by the United States, a person who seeks to engage in
such fishing must request authorization of a new high seas fishery as described in § 300.334(e) and then,
if the fishery is authorized, must obtain all applicable permits including a high seas fishing permit issued
under § 300.333. NMFS may specify conditions and restrictions in the permit to mitigate adverse impacts
on VMEs, which may include the types of conditions that have been adopted in relevant RFMO measures
recognized by the United States.
(b) Permit. To be permitted under this section, the owner or operator of a high seas fishing vessel must follow
the procedures under § 300.334(e) or, if he or she seeks to change an existing permit, must follow the
procedures under § 300.334(c).

§ 300.336 Vessel identification.
(a) General. A vessel permitted under this subpart must be marked for identification purposes in accordance
with this section.
(b) Marking. Vessels must be marked either:
(1) In accordance with vessel identification requirements specified in Federal fishery regulations issued
under the Magnuson-Stevens Act or under other Federal fishery management statutes; or
(2) In accordance with the following identification requirements:
(i)

A vessel must be marked with its international radio call sign (IRCS) or, if not assigned an IRCS,
must be marked (in order of priority) with its Federal, state, or other documentation number
appearing on its high seas fishing permit and, if a WCPFC Area Endorsement has been issued
for the vessel under § 300.212, that documentation number must be preceded by the
characters “USA” and a hyphen (that is, “USA-”);

(ii) The markings must be displayed at all times on the vessel's side or superstructure, port and
starboard, as well as on a deck;
(iii) The markings must be placed so that they do not extend below the waterline, are not obscured
by fishing gear, whether stowed or in use, and are clear of flow from scuppers or overboard
discharges that might damage or discolor the markings;
(iv) Block lettering and numbering must be used;
(v) The height of the letters and numbers must be in proportion to the size of the vessel as follows:
for vessels 25 meters (m) and over in length overall, the height of letters and numbers must be
no less than 1.0 m; for vessels 20 m but less than 25 m in length overall, the height of letters
and numbers must be no less than 0.8 m; for vessels 15 m but less than 20 m in length overall,
the height of letters and numbers must be no less than 0.6 m; for vessels 12 m but less than 15
m in length overall, the height of letters and numbers must be no less than 0.4 m; for vessels 5
m but less than 12 m in length overall, the height of letters and numbers must be no less than
0.3 m; and for vessels under 5 m in length overall, the height of letters and numbers must be no
less than 0.1 m;
(vi) The height of the letters and numbers to be placed on decks must be no less than 0.3 m;
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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.336(b)(2)(vii)

(vii) The length of the hyphen(s), if any, must be half the height (h) of the letters and numbers;
(viii) The width of the stroke for all letters, numbers, and hyphens must be h/6;
(ix) The space between letters and/or numbers must not exceed h/4 nor be less than h/6;
(x) The space between adjacent letters having sloping sides must not exceed h/8 nor be less than
h/10;
(xi) The marks must be white on a black background, or black on a white background;
(xii) The background must extend to provide a border around the mark of no less than h/6; and
(xiii) The marks and the background must be maintained in good condition at all times.

§ 300.337 Requirements for Enhanced Mobile Transceiver Units (EMTUs).
(a) Vessel position information. The owner or operator of a vessel issued a permit under this subpart, or for
which such permit is required, must have installed on board the vessel a NMFS type-approved enhanced
mobile transceiver unit (EMTU). The operator or owner of the vessel must ensure that the EMTU is
operational and properly reporting positions to NMFS as required by this section, except when exempt
under paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section. If the vessel is also subject to EMTU requirements in other
parts of this title, the more restrictive requirements apply.
(b) Contact information and business hours. With respect to the requirements in this section, vessel owners
and operators should consult with the divisional office of the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) in, or
nearest, the Region issuing the permit under this subpart. The OLE VMS Helpdesk in OLE headquarters
office may also be contacted.
(c) EMTU installation and activation —
(1) EMTU installation. The vessel owner or operator shall obtain and have installed on the fishing vessel,
by a qualified marine electrician and in accordance with any instructions provided by the VMS
Helpdesk or OLE divisional office, a NMFS type-approved EMTU. OLE is authorized to receive and
relay transmissions from the EMTU. The vessel owner and operator shall arrange for a typeapproved mobile communications service to receive and transmit position reports and email
communications from the EMTU to OLE. NMFS makes available lists of type-approved EMTUs and
mobile communications service providers. Vessel owners must ensure that the EMTU and
communications service hardware purchased is type-approved for all fisheries and regions in which
their vessel will be operating.
(2) EMTU activation. When an EMTU is installed or reinstalled or the mobile communications service
provider changes, or if directed by OLE, the vessel owner and operator shall, prior to leaving port:
(i)

Turn on the EMTU to make it operational;

(ii) Submit a VMS Installation and Activation Certification form, or an activation report as directed
by OLE, to the OLE divisional office within or nearest to the region issuing the permit under this
subpart; and
(iii) Receive confirmation from OLE that transmissions are being received properly from the EMTU.
(d) EMTU operation. Unless otherwise provided below, and subject to more restrictive requirements where
applicable, the vessel owner or operator shall continuously operate the EMTU so that it automatically
transmits position information to OLE, once every hour or as directed by OLE.
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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.337(d)(1)

(1) In-port exemption: The EMTU may be powered down when the vessel will remain at a dock or
permanent mooring for more than 72 consecutive hours and after the notice required in paragraph
(d)(3) of this section is submitted to OLE. When powering up the EMTU after the in-port exemption,
the vessel owner or operator must submit the report required in paragraph (d)(4) of this section at
least 2 hours before leaving port or mooring.
(2) Long-term exemption: The EMTU may be powered down if the vessel will not operate on the high
seas, or in any fishery that requires EMTU operation, for more than 30 consecutive days and after the
notice required in paragraph (d)(3) of this section is submitted. When powering up the EMTU from
the long-term exemption, the vessel owner or operator must submit the report required in paragraph
(d)(4) of this section.
(3) Prior to each power-down of the EMTU, under paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section, the vessel
owner or operator must report to the OLE divisional office in, or nearest, the Region issuing the
permit under this subpart during business hours, via email or other means as directed by OLE: the
vessel's name; the vessel's official number; the intent to power down the EMTU; the reason for
power-down; the port where the vessel is docked or area where it will be operating; and the full name,
telephone, and email contact information for the vessel owner or operator.
(4) When powering up the EMTU, the vessel owner or operator must report to the OLE divisional office in,
or nearest, the Region issuing the permit under this subpart during business hours, via email or other
means as directed by OLE: The fact that the EMTU has been powered up; the vessel's name; the
vessel's official number; port name; intended fishery; and full name, telephone, and email contact
information for the vessel owner or operator.
(5) If the EMTU is powered up after a long-term or in-port exemption, the vessel owner must receive
confirmation from the OLE divisional office in, or nearest, the Region issuing the permit under this
subpart that EMTU transmissions are being received properly before leaving port, entering the high
seas, or entering a fishery that requires EMTU operation.
(e) Failure of EMTU. If the vessel owner or operator becomes aware that the EMTU has become inoperable or
that transmission of automatic position reports from the EMTU has been interrupted, or if notified by OLE
or the U.S. Coast Guard that automatic position reports are not being received from the EMTU or that an
inspection of the EMTU has revealed a problem with the performance of the EMTU, the vessel owner or
operator shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) If the vessel is in port, the vessel owner or operator shall repair or replace the EMTU and comply with
the requirements in paragraph (c)(2) of this section before the vessel leaves port.
(2) If the vessel is at sea, the vessel owner, operator, or designee shall contact the OLE divisional office
in, or nearest, the Region issuing the permit under this subpart by telephone or email at the earliest
opportunity during business hours and identify the caller, vessel name, vessel location, and the type
of fishing permit(s). The vessel operator shall follow the instructions provided by the OLE divisional
office, which could include: Ceasing fishing, stowing fishing gear, returning to port, or submitting
periodic position reports at specified intervals by other means. The vessel owner or operator must
repair or replace the EMTU and comply with the requirements in paragraph (c)(2) of this section
within 30 days or before the vessel leaves port, whichever is sooner.
(f) Related VMS requirements. Unless specified otherwise in the high seas fishing permit, a vessel owner's
and operator's compliance with requirements in part 300, 635, 660, or 665 of this title relating to the
installation, carrying, and operation of EMTUs will satisfy the requirements of this section, if the
requirements are the same or more restrictive than those in this section and provided that:
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50 CFR Part 300 Subpart R (up to date as of 2/18/2025)
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50 CFR 300.337(f)(1)

(1) On the high seas, the EMTU is operated continuously and position information is automatically
transmitted a minimum of once every hour;
(2) The EMTU is type-approved by NMFS;
(3) OLE is authorized to receive and relay transmissions from the EMTU; and
(4) The requirements of paragraph (d) of this section are complied with. If the EMTU is owned by NMFS,
the requirement under paragraph (e) of this section to repair or replace the EMTU will be the
responsibility of NMFS, but the vessel owner and operator shall be responsible for ensuring that the
EMTU complies with the requirements specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section before the vessel
leaves port.
(g) Costs. The vessel owner and operator shall be responsible for all costs associated with the purchase,
installation, operation, and maintenance of the EMTU and for all charges levied by vendors as necessary
to ensure the transmission of automatic position reports to OLE as required in paragraph (c) of this
section. However, if the EMTU is being carried and operated in compliance with the requirements in part
300, 635, 660, or 665 of this title relating to the installation, carrying, and operation of EMTUs, the vessel
owner and operator shall not be responsible for any costs that are the responsibility of NMFS under those
regulations.
(h) Tampering. The vessel owner and operator shall ensure that the EMTU is not tampered with, disabled,
destroyed, damaged or operated improperly, and that its operation is not impeded or interfered with.
(i)

Inspection. The vessel owner and operator shall make the EMTU, including its antenna, connectors and
antenna cable, available for inspection by authorized officers or by officers conducting boarding and
inspection under a scheme adopted by an RFMO of which the United States is a member.

(j)

Access to data. As required under fishery-specific regulations in other parts of this title, the vessel owner
and operator shall make the vessel's position data, obtained from the EMTU or other means, available to
authorized officers and to any inspector conducting a high seas boarding and inspection pursuant to a
scheme adopted by an RFMO of which the United States is a member.

(k) Communication devices. In cases of EMTU failure as specified under paragraph (e) of this section, and to
facilitate communication with management and enforcement authorities regarding the functioning of the
EMTU and other purposes, the vessel operator shall, while the vessel is at sea, carry on board and
continuously monitor a two-way communication device, in addition to the EMTU, that is capable of realtime communication with the OLE divisional office in, or nearest, the Region issuing the permit under this
subpart.

§ 300.338 Observers.
(a) Where observer coverage is not otherwise required by other regulations or relevant RFMO conservation
and management measures, NMFS may select for at-sea observer coverage any vessel that has been
issued a high seas fishing permit. A vessel so selected by NMFS must carry an observer when directed to
do so.
(b) NMFS will contact a vessel owner, in writing, when his or her vessel is selected for observer coverage
under this section.

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50 CFR 300.338(c)

(c) A vessel shall not fish on the high seas without taking an observer if NMFS contacted the vessel owner
under paragraph (b) of this section, or if so required as a condition of a permit issued under this subpart
or pursuant to other legal authorities, unless the requirement to carry an observer has been waived under
paragraph (d) of this section.
(d) The vessel owner that NMFS contacts under paragraph (b) of this section must notify NMFS of his or her
next fishing trip that may take place on the high seas before commencing the fishing trip. NMFS will
specify the notification procedures and information requirements, such as expected gear deployment, trip
duration and fishing area, in its selection letter. Once notified of a trip by the vessel owner, NMFS will
assign an observer for that trip or notify the vessel owner that coverage pursuant to this subpart is not
required, given the existing requirement for observer coverage under other legal authorities.
(e) The owner, operator, and crew of a vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is assigned must comply
with safety regulations at §§ 600.725 and 600.746 of this title and—
(1) Facilitate the safe embarkation and debarkation of the observer.
(2) Provide the observer with accommodations, food, and amenities that are equivalent of those
provided to vessel officers.
(3) Allow the observer access to all areas of the vessel necessary to conduct observer duties.
(4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins,
weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
(5) Allow the observer access to EMTUs, communications equipment, and navigation equipment to
verify operation, obtain data, and use the communication capabilities of the units for official
purposes.
(6) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records
associated with the catch and disposition of fish for that trip.
(7) Provide accurate vessel locations by latitude and longitude upon request by the observer.
(8) Provide access to sea turtle, marine mammal, sea bird, or other specimens as requested by the
observer.
(9) Notify the observer in a timely fashion when commercial fishing activity is to begin and end.
(f) The permit holder, vessel operator, and crew must cooperate with the observer in the performance of the
observer's duties.
(g) The permit holder, vessel operator, and crew must comply with other terms and conditions to ensure the
effective deployment and use of observers that the Regional Administrator or Office Director imposes by
written notice.

§ 300.339 Transshipment on the high seas.
(a) In addition to any other applicable restrictions on transshipment, including those under parts 300 and 635
of this title, the following requirements apply to transshipments, when authorized, taking place on the high
seas:
(1) The owner or operator of a U.S. vessel receiving or offloading fish on the high seas shall provide a
notice by fax or email to the Regional Administrator or the Office Director at least 36 hours prior to
any intended transshipment on the high seas with the following information: the vessels offloading
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50 CFR 300.339(a)(2)

and receiving the transshipment (names, official numbers, and vessel types); the location (latitude
and longitude to the nearest tenth of a degree) of transshipment; date and time that transshipment
is expected to occur; and species, processed state, and quantities (in metric tons) expected to be
transshipped. If another requirement for prior notice applies, the more restrictive requirement (i.e., a
requirement for greater advance notice and/or more specific information regarding vessels, location
etc.) must be followed.
(2) U.S. high seas fishing vessels shall report transshipments on the high seas to the Regional
Administrator or Office Director within 15 calendar days after the vessel first enters into port, using
the form obtained from the Regional Administrator or Office Director. If there are applicable
transshipment reporting requirements in other parts of this title, the more restrictive requirement
(e.g., a reporting requirement of fewer than 15 calendar days) must be followed.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 300.340 Prohibitions.
In addition to the prohibitions in § 300.4, it is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Use a high seas fishing vessel on the high seas in contravention of international conservation and
management measures.
(b) Fish on the high seas unless the vessel has been issued, and has on board, a valid permit issued under §
300.333(d).
(c) Fish on the high seas unless the vessel has been issued, and has on board, valid permits related to the
authorized fisheries noted on the high seas fishing permit, as required under § 300.334(b).
(d) Operate a high seas fishing vessel on the high seas that is not marked in accordance with § 300.336.
(e) With respect to the EMTU,
(1) Fail to install, activate, or continuously operate a properly functioning and type-approved EMTU as
required in § 300.337;
(2) Power-down or power-up the EMTU without following the procedures required in § 300.337;
(3) In the event of EMTU failure or interruption, fail to repair or replace an EMTU, fail to notify the
appropriate OLE divisional office and follow the instructions provided, or otherwise fail to act as
required in § 300.337;
(4) Disable, destroy, damage or operate improperly an EMTU installed under § 300.337, attempt to do
any of the same, or fail to ensure that its operation is not impeded or interfered with, as provided in §
300.337;
(5) Fail to make an EMTU installed under § 300.337 or the position data obtained from it available for
inspection, as provided in § 300.337; or
(6) Fail to carry on board and monitor communication devices as required in § 300.337(l);
(f) With respect to observers,

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50 CFR 300.340(f)(1)

(1) Fail to provide to an observer, a NMFS employee, or a designated observer provider, information that
has been requested pursuant to § 300.338 or § 600.746 of this title, or fail to allow an observer, a
NMFS employee, or a designated observer provider to inspect any item described at § 300.338 or §
600.746 of this title;
(2) Fish without an observer when the vessel is required to carry an observer pursuant to § 300.338(c);
(3) Assault, oppose, harass, impede, intimidate, or interfere with an observer;
(4) Prohibit or bar by command, impediment, threat, coercion, interference, or refusal of reasonable
assistance, an observer from conducting his or her duties as an observer; or
(5) Tamper with or destroy samples or equipment.
(g) Fail to submit a prior notice or a report of a transshipment as provided in § 300.339(b) of this title.
(h) Fail to comply with reporting requirements as provided in § 300.341.

§ 300.341 Reporting.
(a) General. The operator of any vessel permitted under this subpart must accurately maintain on board the
vessel a complete record of fishing activities, such as catch, effort, and other data and report high seas
catch and effort information to NMFS in a manner consistent with the reporting requirements of the
authorized fishery(ies) noted on the high seas permit. Reports must include: identification information for
vessel and operator; operator signature; crew size; whether an observer is aboard; target species; gear
used; dates, times, locations, and conditions under which fishing was conducted; species and amounts of
fish retained and discarded; and details of any interactions with sea turtles, marine mammals, or birds.
(1) The vessel owner and operator are responsible for obtaining and completing the reporting forms
from the Regional Administrator or Office Director who issued the permit holder's high seas fishing
permit. The completed forms must be submitted to the same Regional Administrator or Office
Director or, if directed by NMFS, to a Science Center.
(2) Reports must be submitted within the deadline provided for in the authorized fishery or within 15
days following the end of a fishing trip, whichever is sooner. Contact information for the Regional
Administrators and Science Center Directors can be found on the NMFS Web site.
(b) [Reserved]

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