An Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) Operator permit is for the person in charge of fishing operations (hereinafter referred to as the operator) on a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel (a vessel in excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity) engaged in commercial fishing operations under a vessel permit.

Fishery Type: Open access

Harvest Type: Commercial

Species Covered: Highly Migratory Species

Online Renewal: Yes - Apply Online

Logbook Requirements: Yes

Transferable: No.

Expiration Date: Annual; December 31

Eligibility: Applicants are required to attend a Skippers Workshop.

Background

• The Eastern Tropical Pacific is the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean which includes the Pacific Ocean area bounded by 40° N. latitude, 40° S. latitude, 160° W. longitude and the coastlines of North, Central, and South America.

• Any person using a U.S. purse seine fishing vessel of greater than 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity that does not have a valid permit obtained under these regulations to catch, possess, or land tuna if any part of the vessel's fishing trip is in the ETP.

Additional Requirements

Applicants are required to attend a Skippers Workshop prior to applying for an ETP operators permit. Workshops are conducted quarterly via webinar. For more information, contact wcr-permits@noaa.gov.