Federal Register #0648-BM54

Regulatory Update: Cost Recovery and Fishery Closures in Greater Atlantic Region

This final rule from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) updates administrative procedures for cost recovery in Greater Atlantic Region fisheries. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) - Affected Fisheries: - Atlantic Sea Scallop Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) - Golden Tilefish IFQ - Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) - Key Regulatory Changes: - Standardizes billing timelines for cost recovery fees - Waives cost recovery fees under $25 to reduce administrative burden - Streamlines payment procedures for permit holders - Annual cost recovery fees based on ex-vessel value of fish landed; payment due within 30 days of billing - Additional Action: - Temporary closure of blackspotted and rougheye rockfish retention in specified Aleutian districts due to reaching total allowable catch - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory update, not a procurement - No products or services are being procured; only administrative and regulatory changes are implemented

Description

This final rule implements regulatory and administrative changes to improve the Greater Atlantic Region's Catch Share Cost Recovery Programs. The updates aim to simplify regulations and reduce costs for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), Golden Tilefish IFQ, and Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) fisheries. The action will improve administration and management of these fisheries by standardizing billing timelines, waiving fees under $25, and streamlining payment procedures. The rule is effective October 13, 2026.

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