NOAA Seeks Feedback on Fishing Industry Data Collection Renewal
Published Date: 1/24/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their plan to keep collecting important info about 16 U.S. commercial fisheries, like costs, earnings, and crew details. This helps them understand the fishing industry better without adding too much paperwork. If you’re involved in these fisheries or just curious, you have until March 25, 2025, to share your thoughts—no extra costs or big changes are coming right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
NOAA continues 16-fishery economic surveys
NOAA will continue collecting economic information for 16 specific U.S. commercial fisheries (listed in the notice) about costs, earnings, ownership, vessel characteristics, effort/gear, employment, and demographics. These surveys are part of a rotating cycle so different fisheries are surveyed each year and NOAA will try to coordinate collections for people who participate in multiple fisheries.
Estimated respondent burden and time
NOAA estimates 1,655 respondents and a total annual burden of 1,757 hours for these economic surveys. Individual survey time estimates range from 10 minutes (an add-on creel survey) up to 3 hours for some West Coast surveys.
Voluntary participation and $0 monetary cost
Participation in these economic surveys is voluntary and NOAA estimates the total annual cost to the public is $0. The notice explicitly states respondent obligation is voluntary and legal authority is the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Multiple response methods offered
NOAA will collect survey information by mail, internet, phone, and in-person interviews; respondents generally receive a mailed survey before a phone or in-person interview and may be offered an online option where feasible.
Survey data to support fisheries management laws
NOAA says the collected economic data will be used to monitor and analyze economic performance and impacts and to support compliance with statutes and policies including the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, NEPA, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, E.O. 12866, and several NOAA Fisheries strategies and policies.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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