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Pre-Trip Notification System (Northeast)

February 16, 2023

The Pre-Trip Notification System (PTNS) was designed to provide a fast, simple, and effective way to ensure fair and adequate observer/monitor coverage in the Atlantic herring fishery and groundfish fishery.

This includes all vessels using Category A multispecies days-at-sea. For more information about who is required to notify please visit the Help tab on the PTNS website or contact the PTNS team at nefsc.ptns@noaa.gov.

Owners/operators of vessels that require notification through the PTNS, 48 hours prior to their sail time and up to 10 days in advance of sailing, are required to notify using one of the following three methods:

Internet (preferred method)

This should be the primary means of trip notification and trip changes. Vessels should log in to the Pre-Trip Notification System using your individual FishOnline username and password. More information about login authentication can be found on the PTNS Help tab.

Email

This should be the secondary means of trip notification and trip changes. Vessels should email the PTNS team at nefsc.ptns@noaa.gov with the following details:

  • Vessel name and permit number
  • Fishery
  • Trip type
  • Sail date and time
  • Estimated trip duration
  • Gear/mesh size
  • Fishing region
  • Exemption or EFP participation
  • Pair trawl information (if applicable)

Phone

This is the backup means for trip notifications and trip changes. Vessels should call the PTNS team at (855) FISHES1 [(855) 347-4371] noting the above details. The PTNS coordinator is available on business days from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After business hours and on weekends and holidays, calls will be fielded by an answering service operator qualified to enter notifications, answer frequently asked questions, and help troubleshoot common issues. In emergency situations, the operator will immediately contact a NOAA Fisheries representative for assistance.

Last updated by Northeast Fisheries Science Center on 02/16/2023