Legendgw

Has Anyone got a call from a third party representing the federal government asking details about recent tuna or pelagic fishing trips?
They asked a lot of questions where, how long, distane, wate temp, trolling, bait, port etc.
Assume it was legit.

tomfrmnh

Haven't got the call yet, but did recieve the letter from NOAA explaining the process. Unfortunately, I have not been out yet. I guess they still want the information regardless. I would say it is legit. Looks like the NMFS is looking for information with regards to type of permits and how many trips each permit category are taking. Perhaps this is to increase the quota for the commercial guys.

Capt Dave

I doubt it since they haven't filled the quota as it is for several years.

gilpri

I've gotten a couple of times - If I remember correctly I got an explanation letter first and I think it gave an estimated time period when they would call.
Not a big deal - only took a few minutes

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Gil-Plymouth, MA
28 Albemarle

CB Haws

I get to do the survey once or twice a year. I think if you report catches they call on you more often so they can shut down the Angling Fishery!!!!

gerg

Wow, looks like the tin foil hats are coming back into season?

I've gotten calls once or twice a season for many years now. It's all funded through your hms permit fee. You are actually required to report bft catches within 24 hours (or is it 48?), but they are also interested in other species you may have caught as well.

They also ask some thinly veiled questions to gauge your knowledge of the rules, more for education purposes than enforcement. For example, they almost always ask if I sell any of my catch (hint: that would be illegal under an angling permit). They also ask what gear I use (rod and reel is the only correct answer).

But in all seriousness, they aren't playing any games of gotcha. They are trying to gather data on catch rates and compliance - but it's only used for data collection as far as I can tell.

And to be sure, you should be reporting your bft ccatches so we don't end up losing our quota to overseas fisheries. Apparently if the USA continues to come in under quota, we are required to transfer some of that delta to other countries so they can exceed yet an even higher quota.

So yeah, it's legitimate. If you get a state issued SW permit, you can expect calls based on that list as well.

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Terry Jason 35, Yanmar 370 hp, Lots of fun at a leisurely pace

CB Haws

Oh I love the question about "did you sell any of your catch" I never answer the question; I say, " that would be against a stupid Federal law" and leave it at that.
I can't afford to run my boat offshore with five or six guys for one lousy bluefin. We always nail a few bfins during Mako season.
You get 24 hours to report and the online questions want how many released alive and dead and a bunch more stuff other then date and size.

CB Haws

2009 head-off regs.


http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/bro...e_06_11_09.pdf

Capt Dave

Use of handlines and spears guns are also exceptable gear for the angling category. Just can't use a spear gun on a BFT though.

gerg

I forget the exact wording to the question, but I don't remember any correct answer except rod and reel. I do remember harpoon and bandit gear being choices. I could be wrong though. I haven't gotten the call yet this year.

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Terry Jason 35, Yanmar 370 hp, Lots of fun at a leisurely pace

naff30

They are legit. As stated they send a letter first. They are in the process of selling un caught catch limit to eastern quotas if not caught here by specific time frame. Way to go America, we can be sold!!

CB Haws

Enough of this quota thing. Just let the Anglers have 4 or 5 per trip. We will fill the fegg'in quota. But nooooo the NMFS keeps giving it to General and commercial.

Gulf Coast Girl

LOL... you guys answer your phone? If I don't recognize the name or number on caller id it goes to VM and gets deleted later.