Observer Fee Collection - North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Fisheries Observer Program
July 13, 2020
Summary of the observer fee collection program, fee determination and payment process.
- Since 2013, Alaska processors and registered buyers have been required to pay an ex-vessel value-based fee to NOAA Fisheries to support the funding and deployment of observers on vessels and in plants in the partial observer coverage category
- The ex-vessel value-based fee is intended to be split evenly between the vessel owner/operator and the processor or registered buyer.
- Through 2020, landings accruing against an IFQ allocation or a Federal TAC for groundfish from vessels in the partial coverage category are assessed a 1.25 percent fee using standard ex-vessels prices multiplied by the landed catch weight of groundfish and halibut. Starting in 2021, landings will be assessed at a 1.65 percent fee.
- Ex-vessel value is based on standard ex-vessel prices from prior years.
- The fee liability starts to accrue on January 1 of each calendar year. The fee submission by processors and registered buyers for annual landings is due to NOAA Fisheries by February 15 of the next calendar year.
- Full payment of the observer fee liability is required before NOAA Fisheries will issue a new or renewed Federal Processor Permit (FPP) or Registered Buyer permit.