§ 285.57 - Purse seine vessel requirements.

(a) Mesh size. Any owner or operator of a purse seine vessel conducting a directed fishery for Atlantic yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack tunas and Atlantic bonito must use a purse seine net with a mesh size as specified under § 285.25(a).

(b) Inspection. The owner or operator of a purse seine vessel conducting a directed fishery for Atlantic yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack tunas and Atlantic bonito must request an inspection of the vessel and fishing gear by an enforcement agent of NMFS prior to commencing fishing for the season in any fishery that may result in the harvest of any regulated species. The owner or operator must request such inspection at least 48 hours before commencement of the first fishing trip of the season. In addition, at least 48 hours before commencement of offloading any Atlantic yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack tunas and Atlantic bonito after a fishing trip, the owner or operator must request an inspection of vessel and catch by calling 508-563-5721 or 508-281-9261. The inability to provide for an inspection within 48 hours of notification shall constitute a waiver of this requirement. The owner or operator of a purse seine vessel must have the vessel's catch information recorded on the appropriate forms at the time of offloading and prior to transporting said tuna from the area of offloading.