Federal Register #2026-05813

NOAA/NMFS Reinstates Electronic Reporting for Gulf Charter Vessels and Headboats

This opportunity involves a regulatory update from the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding reporting requirements for Gulf of America fisheries: - NOAA/NMFS has reinstated and clarified reporting obligations for federally permitted charter vessels and headboats - Weekly electronic fishing reports are required from selected vessels - Reports must be submitted via the Southeast Region Headboat Survey or NMFS-provided forms - Strict compliance is enforced, with permit renewal contingent on participation in approved surveys - Backup reporting procedures are outlined for catastrophic conditions - No commercial OEMs or vendors are referenced; NOAA and NMFS are the responsible government entities - No products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are requested; this is a regulatory compliance action, not a procurement of goods or services - The rule is focused on fishery management and data collection for regulatory purposes

Description

This final rule issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) clarifies reporting requirements for owners and operators of federally permitted charter vessels and headboats in Gulf of America fisheries. It reinstates the reporting requirements that were in effect prior to a 2020 rule, following a 2023 court decision that vacated the 2020 rule. The rule requires selected vessels to submit weekly electronic fishing reports and maintains compliance provisions related to timely reporting. This action ensures regulatory consistency with the court ruling and supports fishery management and conservation efforts.

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