Fishermen, Keep Logging Those Hooks: NOAA's Paperwork Reminder
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
Fishermen fishing for highly migratory species off the U.S. West Coast must keep and submit daily logbooks about their catch and effort. NOAA is asking for public comments before renewing this paperwork requirement, which helps scientists track fish populations and keep the fishery healthy. Comments are due by March 16, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a reminder to keep those logs up to date!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Fishing Logbook Requirement
If you hold a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit and fish in the West Coast Pacific hook-and-line (albacore troll and pole-and-line) fishery, you must complete a daily logbook within 24 hours of each fishing day and submit the logbook to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center within 30 days of the end of each trip. This requirement is mandatory under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast HMS.
Estimated Time and Cost Burden
NOAA estimates 699 respondents, with an estimated 1 hour per response, totaling 2,794 annual burden hours and $2,179.32 in annual recordkeeping/reporting costs across respondents. The information collection is described under OMB Control Number 0648-0223.
Electronic or Paper Submission Options
Respondents may submit logbook data either by secure electronic transmission or by mailing paper forms, giving permit holders a choice of electronic or paper methods for meeting the submission requirement.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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