NOAA Renews Pacific Islands Fishing Catch Reporting Requirements
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on extending the Pacific Islands fishing logbook forms that boat owners use to report their catch and protected species encounters. This helps keep fish populations healthy and protects endangered animals. Comments are open until February 9, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Pacific Islands Fishing Reports
If you operate or own a vessel in Federally-managed fisheries in the Pacific Islands Region, you are required to submit catch and protected-species interaction reports to NOAA under 50 CFR 665.14. The collection covers an estimated 599 respondents, averages 16 minutes per report, totals about 6,911 burden hours annually, and lists an estimated total annual cost to the public of $523.
Electronic Logbook Use for Specific Fleets
The Hawaii and American Samoa pelagic longline fisheries will submit reports using electronic logbooks (computer tablets or other devices), with paper logbooks used only if there are equipment or transmission failures. Other Pacific Islands Region fisheries will continue to use paper logbooks only.
Pre-Trip Notifications for Longline Vessels
Longline vessel operators are required to submit pre-trip notifications that include trip type, departure time, and transit through protected-species zones as specified in 50 CFR 665.803. Other fisheries must submit notifications of trip return, unloading, or sales per applicable subparts of 50 CFR 665.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-13809 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans
The New England Fishery Management Council wants to make fishing rules more flexible and easier to adjust during the season. This change affects fishermen and managers working with 27 fish species along the Northeast coast. Comments are open until August 7, 2026, so get ready to weigh in on how these updates could help keep fishing smart and steady without extra costs.
2026-13808 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4
The new rule changes how rainbow runner fish are managed in Puerto Rico’s waters by moving them from reef fish to pelagic fish status. This means new catch limits and rules will apply to keep fishing fair and sustainable. Fishermen and seafood businesses should get ready to follow these updates starting after the comment period ends on August 7, 2026.
2026-13682 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62
Fishermen and fish lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! Amendment 62 changes how much red grouper can be caught and who gets to catch it, based on the latest science. Plus, the usual February-March fishing break for shallow-water grouper is gone, so you can fish year-round. Comments on these changes are open until August 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-13684 — Pribilof Islands Administration; Dogs Prohibited
Starting August 6, 2026, specially trained rodent detection dogs will be allowed on the Pribilof Islands to help stop invasive rodents from harming local wildlife and communities. This change affects anyone bringing vessels or cargo to the islands, supporting efforts to protect native animals and food security. Public comments are open until the same date, with no new costs expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22316 — Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission got a complaint about certain chemical products and their packaging being imported and sold in the U.S. They want your thoughts on how this might affect the public before deciding on actions like blocking these imports. If you’re involved or interested, now’s the time to speak up—this could impact companies from France and Portugal and might lead to changes within about two months.
Next: 2025-22318 — Issuance of Multiple Exemptions
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave three special permissions to two nuclear plant operators between July and September 2025. These exemptions let the operators skip or change some usual rules without extra costs or delays. If you’re involved with these plants, these changes help keep things running smoothly and safely.