Which NOAA satellite-based tracking system provides vessel information?

• A. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
• B. Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS-B)
• C. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• D. Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

Answer: (A)

The main idea is understanding which system NOAA uses to obtain vessel positions via satellite for monitoring fishing activity. The Vessel Monitoring System reports each fishing vessel’s location, speed, and heading through satellite links to NOAA/NMFS, providing real-time vessel information used for enforcement, quota management, and area restrictions. This system is specifically designed for fisheries monitoring and is managed under NOAA’s oversight, making it the appropriate fit for NOAA’s vessel-tracking needs.

The other options serve different roles: aircraft use ADS-B, not ships; GMDSS is focused on distress and safety communications at sea; LRIT is a global ship-tracking framework used by multiple authorities, not NOAA’s fisheries-focused monitoring system.