NOAA review of Antarctic marine living resource reporting requirements
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
Continues the existing paperwork process for U.S. permits, reports, vessel monitoring, gear marking, and toothfish import and re-export documents tied to Antarctic marine living resources. It affects U.S. fishing operators, vessel owners, researchers, dealers, importers, exporters, and re-exporters working with Antarctic marine species, especially Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish sold as Chilean sea bass. NOAA is asking for public comments before sending the renewal to OMB. Comments are due by July 6, 2026. The notice does not create a new operating rule, but it keeps the current reporting system in place and estimates 79 respondents, 359 total annual burden hours, and $131,143 in annual public costs.
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Key Changes
- NOAA seeks public comment on renewing an existing information collection for Antarctic marine living resource activities.
- The current permit, reporting, vessel monitoring, gear marking, and toothfish trade documentation requirements would continue.
- Comments must be submitted by July 6, 2026, and should reference OMB Control Number 0648-0194.
Obligations
What this law requires
U.S. individuals engaging in Antarctic marine living resources harvesting, transshipping, importing, or entering and/or conducting activities in a CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program site must apply for and hold the required NOAA permit before conducting those activities.
Individuals conducting certain scientific research in the CCAMLR Convention Area must report required research information to NOAA.
U.S. harvesting vessel operators must provide information on harvesting activities, including fishing areas and vessels, so that catch and effort statistics can be compiled.
U.S. vessel operators participating in covered AMLR activities must use required monitoring and communication methods, including satellite-linked vessel monitoring devices, automatic identification system transmissions, and radio or telephone transmissions.
Covered AMLR vessel operators must mark vessels and fishing gear, including buoys, pot gear, and trawl nets, as required for participation in the regulated activities.