Simpler Rules and Lower Costs for Atlantic Fishermen
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen who catch scallops, tilefish, surfclams, and ocean quahogs in the Northeastern U.S. will see simpler rules and lower costs thanks to updates in the Catch Share Cost Recovery Program. These changes aim to make managing fishing quotas easier and more efficient. If you want to share your thoughts, be sure to comment by June 1, 2026!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waive tiny cost‑recovery bills
If you hold quota or a permit in the Scallop IFQ, Tilefish IFQ, or Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ programs, NMFS would stop billing cost‑recovery fees that are under $25. Those small amounts would be waived and rolled into the next year’s cost recovery accounting so you wouldn’t get stuck with a bill that Cross‑Servicing cancels and that could block permit renewal.
Standardize billing: 6 months and Net 30
NMFS would send cost‑recovery bills within 6 months after the end of each program’s cost recovery period and require payment within 30 days of the bill date for Scallop IFQ, Tilefish IFQ, and Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ permit holders. Previously, bills for these programs had different due dates (Scallop bills were due within 60 days, Tilefish within 45 days, and Surfclam/Ocean Quahog within 30 days).
Electronic payment required (with exceptions)
Cost recovery payments must be made electronically via the Federal web portal (https://www.pay.gov) or other sites designated by the Regional Administrator, with options for credit card or ACH withdrawal. NMFS may authorize payment by check only if electronic payment is not possible (for example, due to catastrophic conditions).
Estimated per‑entity savings (small amounts)
NMFS estimates waiving fees under $25 would reduce annual cost recovery costs by $86 for each of 12 large surfclam entities and $52 for each of 29 small surfclam entities, and by $13 for each of 2 large scallop entities and $120 for each of 100 small scallop entities; no economic impacts are projected for tilefish or ocean quahog firms.
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