NOAA Extends Swordfish Vessel Reporting Rules
Published Date: 7/20/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking to keep collecting info from fishing boats that catch swordfish, sharks, and tunas to make sure the U.S. follows fishing rules. About 6,200 fishers spend a little time each year filling out logbooks and cost reports. They’re renewing this paperwork approval now, while planning some rule changes later, so nothing new hits fishers just yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory HMS Logbooks Continue
If you own a vessel that catches swordfish, sharks, or tunas, you must keep filling HMS vessel logbooks and cost‑earnings reports under OMB Control No. 0648-0371. About 6,233 respondents are covered, the total annual burden is 22,906 hours, and typical entries take from 2 minutes (negative catch reports) up to 30 minutes (cost/earnings and some trip reports).
Reporting Deadlines and Frequencies
You must submit trip summary reports within 7 days after each fishing trip, trip cost-earnings reports within 30 days of trip completion, no-catch (negative) logbook reports at the end of each month with no fishing, and an annual expenditure report once per year. These timing rules are part of the HMS logbook program requirements.
No New Reporting Rules Right Now
NOAA is requesting renewal and extension of the existing information collection now, without changes, even though it is planning a future rulemaking that may change reporting. The agency submitted this request early so the current requirements stay in place while the rulemaking proceeds.
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Key Dates
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