NOAA Extends Alaska AFA Pollock Fishery Permit Information Collection
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking to keep collecting info from 79 fishing businesses that hold Alaska American Fisheries Act (AFA) permits. These permits help manage the Bering Sea pollock fishery, and the paperwork mostly involves applications for vessel changes and fishing rights transfers. The agency wants to extend this info collection with no new fees, giving the public 30 more days to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Extension of AFA Paperwork Obligation
NOAA is extending the required information collection for Alaska American Fisheries Act (AFA) permits that covers 79 respondents. The collection includes several forms with estimated average hours per response (1 hour; 2 hours; 4 hours; 8 hours) and a stated total annual burden of 246 hours; responding is mandatory to obtain or retain permit benefits.
No New Fees for AFA Forms
The agency is extending the AFA information collection without imposing any new fees. Existing respondents (79 fishing businesses and related entities) will continue to submit required forms but will not be charged additional fees for this extension.
Must Carry Valid AFA Permit Onboard
Any vessel fishing for non-CDQ pollock in the Bering Sea and any shoreside processor, stationary floating processor, or mothership receiving non-CDQ pollock must have a valid AFA permit on board or at the facility location at all times while non-CDQ pollock is being harvested or processed. Permanent AFA permits were originally issued with indefinite expiration, though some participants require annual or replacement permits.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00552, Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans, Notice of Meeting
The Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans will meet online on March 10, 2026, to discuss ways to help Veterans adjust to civilian life. They’ll start drafting recommendations for their annual report and invite the public to share thoughts during a special comment time. This meeting affects Veterans, especially those who served in combat, and aims to improve benefits and services without any immediate cost changes.
Next: 2026-00555, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Statement of Financial Interests, Regional Fishery Management Councils
NOAA is asking for public feedback on renewing a form that fishery council members fill out to share their financial interests. This helps keep fishery management fair and transparent. Comments are open until March 16, 2026, and this process won’t cost anyone extra but keeps things honest and clear.