Dolphin Program Paperwork Cleanup Promises 111 Hours Saved Annually
Published Date: 10/21/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating its paperwork rules for the International Dolphin Conservation Program, affecting 223 people who fish or manage vessels. They’re removing some forms and keeping others to make things clearer and easier. This update won’t cost extra money but will save about 111 hours of paperwork time each year, with public comments open for 30 more days.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork for Tuna Vessel Operators
If you are a vessel owner, operator, or manager in the International Dolphin Conservation Program, NOAA lists 223 respondents and requires information collections that total 111 annual burden hours. Examples of average time per response include: Transit Waiver 30 minutes, Vessel Permit Application 35 minutes, Experimental Fishing Permit Applications and Reports 10 hours, and Vessel Departure Notification 10 minutes.
Some Forms Voluntary; Others Required
NOAA states the respondent obligation for these collections can be voluntary or required to obtain benefits depending on the action. That means some submissions are optional, while others are needed to get permits or other program benefits.
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