NOAA Renews Financial Interest Forms for Fishery Management Councils
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Financial Disclosure Filing
If you are a Regional Fishery Management Council member, a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) member appointed by a Council, or someone nominated by a State, Territorial, or Tribal Governor for possible Council appointment, you must file NOAA Form 88-195 (Statement of Financial Interests) under OMB Control Number 0648-0192. This filing is required by Section 302(j) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 50 CFR 600.235 and is mandatory.
Publicly Available Conflict-of-Interest Records
NOAA and Council offices will keep current Statement of Financial Interests forms on file and make them publicly available so potential conflicts of interest can be assessed. The collected information is used to decide when Council members must recuse themselves from voting to avoid conflicts.
Time Burden: 45 Minutes Per Filing
NOAA estimates 330 respondents will each spend about 45 minutes to complete NOAA Form 88-195, for an estimated total annual burden of 248 hours. NOAA reports the estimated total annual cost to the public is $0.
Electronic Filing with Paper Option
Information will be collected electronically, but paper forms will be accepted if needed. This gives respondents an online option while preserving a paper alternative.
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