- The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program.
- This program, implemented in 2011, manages the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Oregon, Washington, and California.
- The information collection is crucial for issuing and renewing permits, managing quotas, and ensuring compliance with fishery management regulations.
- NOAA’s request for comments is part of a routine review under the Paperwork Reduction Act, aimed at assessing the impact of information collection requirements and minimizing public reporting burdens.
- The public has until October 6, 2025, to submit comments, which will be considered before the collection is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval.
- Local fisheries and marine resources in Oregon are directly impacted by this program, as it helps manage and conserve marine resources within the state’s coastal waters.
- The information collected includes permit applications, quota transfers, and vessel registrations, which are essential for equitable management and enforcement of fishing limits.
- NOAA is particularly interested in feedback on the necessity, utility, and clarity of the information collected, as well as suggestions for reducing the reporting burden.
Impact on Washington and California: NOAA’s Groundfish Trawl Program Review
- The Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program also significantly impacts fisheries and marine resources off the coasts of Washington and California, alongside Oregon.
- In Washington, the program supports sustainable fishing practices and helps maintain the health of marine ecosystems by regulating catch limits and ensuring compliance with fishery management rules.
- California’s coastal fisheries benefit from the program’s structured approach to quota management, which aids in the conservation of diverse marine species and supports the local fishing economy.
- Stakeholders in both Washington and California are encouraged to participate in the public comment period to share their insights and experiences, contributing to the program’s evaluation and potential improvements.
To view the original document on the Federal Register, click here.