NOAA Requests Feedback on Western Alaska Fishing Quota Forms
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is asking for your thoughts on continuing to collect info for the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program, which helps local communities manage fishing resources. This program affects fishing groups in Western Alaska and aims to keep things fair and organized. Comments are open until May 15, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in before any paperwork changes happen!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Form Allows CDQ Quota Transfers
The Groundfish/Halibut CDQ and Prohibited Species Quota (PSQ) Transfer Request form lets two CDQ groups transfer annual amounts of groundfish and halibut CDQ and PSQ (except Bering Sea Chinook salmon) between them. Both the transferring and receiving CDQ groups complete the form to move quota among CDQ groups.
NOAA Seeks Comment on CDQ Data Collection
NOAA is requesting 60 days of public comment before it submits to OMB to extend the information collection for the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program (OMB Control Number 0648-0269). Comments must be received by May 15, 2026, and the collection covers four components used to manage CDQ fisheries in western Alaska.
Registered CDQ Vessels Exempt from LLP License
The CDQ Vessel Registration System is used to add or remove small hook-and-line catcher vessels to the CDQ registration list; registered vessels are exempt from the requirement to obtain and carry a License Limitation Program (LLP) license under regulations at 50 part 679. The registration action is done online through the CDQ Vessel Registration System.
Option to Request Non‑CDQ Harvest Rules
CDQ groups, an association representing CDQ groups, or a voluntary fishing cooperative can use the Application for Approval of Use of Non-CDQ Harvest Regulations to request approval to use non-CDQ harvest regulations when CDQ regulations are more restrictive. This application process is part of the information collection being extended.
Estimated Respondent Burden and Timing
NOAA estimates 6 respondents for this collection, with total annual burden of 36 hours. Estimated time per response is: CDQ Vessel Registration System, 10 minutes; Groundfish/Halibut CDQ and PSQ Transfer Request, 30 minutes; Application for Approval of Use of Non-CDQ Harvest Regulations, 5 hours; Appeals, 4 hours. The agency estimates $0 in annual recordkeeping and reporting costs.
Appeals Process for Adverse Determinations
An appeals process is available for applicants who receive an adverse initial administrative determination related to an Application for Approval of Use of Non-CDQ Harvest Regulations. Appeals are part of the information collection package described in the notice.
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