NOAA Seeks Feedback on Tuna Fishing Report Renewals
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on renewing their forms that fishing boats use to report catches and costs for Atlantic big fish like tuna. This helps keep fishing fair and sustainable without adding new paperwork right now. If you fish or work with these species, your input matters before May 5, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory HMS Logbook Reporting
If you own a vessel that fishes Atlantic highly migratory species, you are required to complete NOAA Form 88-191 logbooks and cost-earnings reports under OMB Control No. 0648-0371. NOAA estimates 6,223 respondents, a total annual burden of 22,906 hours, an estimated $89 in annual recordkeeping/reporting costs, and per-response times of 10 minutes (cost/earnings summaries), 30 minutes (annual expenditure forms), 12 minutes (catch trip/set reports), and 2 minutes (negative catch reports).
Voluntary Electronic Logbooks Coming
Paper logbooks have been the primary reporting method, but NOAA will offer electronic logbooks, including mobile applications, on a voluntary basis for the HMS logbook program in the near future. Participation in electronic reporting will be optional for respondents.
Required Bycatch and Species Reporting
You must report catches and incidental species encounters in the HMS logbook, including dolphin and wahoo (for certain commercial permit holders) and incidental species such as sea turtles, so NMFS can evaluate bycatch and protected species encounters. These reporting requirements apply as part of the HMS logbook program used for tuna, swordfish, sharks, and billfish monitoring.
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