Alaska Salmon Fishery Paperwork Returns for Another Public Comment Round
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is renewing its paperwork for the Cook Inlet commercial salmon fishery to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone follows the rules. Fishermen and processors who work in this fishery will keep filling out forms, but NOAA wants your feedback by January 4, 2027, to keep the process fair and efficient. This renewal won’t cost extra but helps protect Alaska’s salmon and supports sustainable fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 7 costs, 0 mixed.
Harvest Vessels Must Hold SFFP
If you operate a fishing vessel that commercially fishes for salmon in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area, you are required to have a Salmon Federal Fisheries Permit (SFFP) to lawfully fish there. The SFFP application collects owner and vessel details and is mandatory under 50 CFR part 679 (Sec. 679.114).
Processors Must Obtain SFPP
If you receive and process unprocessed salmon caught in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area, you must obtain a Salmon Federal Processor Permit (SFPP). The SFPP application collects processor identity and ownership information and is required before you can process EEZ salmon.
Non-Processing Receivers Need RSRP
If you receive deliveries of Cook Inlet EEZ salmon but do not immediately process them, you must have a Registered Salmon Receiver Permit (RSRP). The RSRP application gathers receiver operation and contact information and is required to legally receive EEZ salmon deliveries.
eLandings Registration and Daily Reports Required
If you are a shoreside processor manager or a registered salmon receiver receiving Cook Inlet EEZ salmon, you are required to register for eLandings (or NMFS-approved software) and submit a daily salmon receiver landing report during the fishing year. eLandings processor registration may take about 15 minutes and each landing report about 10 minutes; registration is done at https://elandings.alaska.gov/web/register.html.
Gillnet Vessels Must Keep Daily Logsheet
If you operate a catcher vessel using drift gillnet gear in the Cook Inlet EEZ, you must maintain a daily fishing logsheet to record catch and bycatch information. The log data fulfills bycatch reporting requirements and may be used to corroborate vessel monitoring data for enforcement.
Drift Gillnet Buoys Must Display Permit Number
If you use drift gillnet gear in the Cook Inlet EEZ, both ends of the gear must be marked with buoys that legibly display your vessel's SFFP number. Buoy marking ties gear to vessel ownership and supports enforcement and reporting of lost gear.
Paperwork Burden and Estimated Public Cost
NOAA estimates 400 unique respondents for this collection, with an estimated total annual burden of 2,846 hours and a total annual cost to the public of $20,100. Comments on this renewal must be submitted by January 4, 2027.
Permits Are Issued at No Charge
NOAA states it issues Salmon Federal Fisheries Permits (SFFP), Salmon Federal Processor Permits (SFPP), and Registered Salmon Receiver Permits (RSRP) at no charge after receipt and review of a complete application. There is no application fee for these Federal permits.
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