National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] Fisheries and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission are currently seeking volunteers to participate in the modernization of commercial shrimping effort data collection. Participants will act as early adopters of a new monitoring system installed on their vessels at no cost. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the quality and efficiency of data collection associated with the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet.

Overview and Benefits of the New System:

• The new system involves the installation of cellular Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units on vessels with Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Permits. These devices will transmit data directly to the Southeast Fisheries Science Center via cellular networks, improving the accuracy and efficiency of shrimping effort data estimation.
• Shrimp effort data was historically logged through a cellular electronic logbook system on selected vessels that transmitted position and vessel speed data using a 3G cellular network to NOAA Fisheries’ scientists. Since the shutdown of 3G cellular technology in December 2020, shrimpers have physically sent memory cards to NOAA Fisheries for data retrieval. The new devices aim to streamline data transmission.
• The new devices offer direct benefits to the shrimping industry, allowing vessel owners to access applications that provide near real-time observation of their vessel(s) positions when in cellular range, which can be saved for later comparison.

Data Collected from the Devices:

• The new devices record time-stamped vessel positions every 10 minutes to determine the time spent towing nets versus steaming to fishing grounds, converting this information into an estimate of effort (tow days). These effort data directly contribute to stock assessments for better shrimp and other fisheries management.
• Position information assists scientists in identifying crucial shrimping grounds for consideration in marine spatial planning, aiming to avoid conflicts with other ocean industries like wind energy and aquaculture.

How to Sign Up:

The new devices are available at no cost to Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Permit holders. The program covers the cost of a limited number of new units, installation and maintenance, and two years of cellular service for the device.

The program is seeking volunteers through Sept. 30, 2024, and support through the early adopter program is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission has contracted with LGL Ecological Research Associates, Inc. to coordinate the early adopter phase of this effort modernization project.

Early adopters must possess a Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Permit. Interested parties should contact LGL Ecological Research associate Nathan Putman at nputman@lgl.com or (205) 218-5276.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why is this change occurring?

Shrimp effort data was historically logged through a cellular electronic logbook system using a 3G cellular network, which was shut down in December 2020.

How did this come about?

Funds were appropriated by Congress to NOAA Fisheries, working with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and LGL Ecological Research Associates to test multiple devices on federally permitted commercial shrimp vessels.

What are the upgrades/differences between the new and existing systems?

The new system automatically transmits data, improving upon the manual removal of memory cards for data retrieval.

Do shrimping vessels need both a 3G electronic logbook and cellular VMS installed?

It is not necessary to have a 3G electronic logbook to volunteer for a new device.

What will the new cellular VMS systems cost for non-early adopters?

Standard expenses for systems vary. The cost for the new device, including fees for installation and transmission, could cost upwards of $3,000. There is also an annual cellular service charge.

Costs for the new device, installation, maintenance, and 2 years of cellular service will be covered for early adopters.

When will other shrimp vessels be required to install these new units?

No requirements are currently in place, and shrimping vessel owners should stay updated on changes to federal shrimping regulations.

Where can I find more information?

More information is available by visiting the NOAA website at www.fisheries.noaa.gov. You can also contact Alan Lowther for NOAA Shrimp Effort Data coordination at (305) 209-7586, alan.lowther@noaa.gov, or Nathan Putman as the Program Administrator at (979) 846-7000 (office), nputman@lgl.com.