Federal Register #2026-12839

NOAA Final Rule: Standardized Haul Reporting for Alaska Trawl Catcher/Processors

This final rule from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under NOAA and the Department of Commerce, updates reporting requirements for trawl catcher/processors in Alaska's groundfish fisheries. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; this is a regulatory change, not a procurement - Products/Services Requested: - Service: Modification of recordkeeping and reporting requirements for 30 trawl catcher/processors - Change: Standardizes the timing for assigning each haul to a management program in logbooks to within 2 hours after weighing all catch - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Applies to all trawl catcher/processors operating in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands groundfish fisheries - Affects 30 vessels, with only one classified as a small entity - No new regulatory burden or procurement of goods/services - Focuses on improved data integrity, consistency, and regulatory clarity in fisheries management reporting

Description

This final rule modifies and standardizes the reporting requirements for trawl catcher/processors (C/Ps) in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands groundfish fisheries. It changes the timing for assigning each haul to a management program in the logbook, providing vessel operators additional time to accurately assess species composition before designation. The rule supports the goals of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and related Fishery Management Plans by enhancing consistency and compliance in catch reporting. It applies to all trawl C/P fishing activity under the relevant groundfish Fishery Management Plans (FMPs).

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