Salmon Sneak Attack: Alaska Fishers Track Chinook Bycatch in Pollock Hauls
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is renewing a data collection program that asks 151 fishing vessels in Alaska to report on Chinook salmon caught accidentally while fishing for pollock. This helps manage salmon bycatch and keep fisheries healthy. The update extends the current reporting rules with no new fees, and folks have 30 more days to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory EDR Reporting for AFA Vessels
The Alaska Chinook Salmon Economic Data Report (EDR) is a mandatory reporting requirement under 50 CFR 679.65 for entities participating in the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. The requirement applies to vessel masters and businesses that own or lease AFA-permitted vessels, Western Alaska Community Development Quota groups, and sector representatives.
Reporting Time Burden and Forms
The renewal documents that 151 respondents will complete three EDR forms each year, with total annual burden hours of 640. The specified average hours per response are: Compensated Transfer Report 40 hours, Vessel Fuel Survey 4 hours, and Vessel Master Survey 4 hours.
Renewal With No New Fees
The notice extends the current Alaska Chinook Salmon EDR information collection and states that there are no new fees associated with the renewal. The collection is unchanged since the 2023 revision.
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