Regulatory Impact Review / Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for a Regulatory Amendment to Implement an Interagency Electronic Reporting System

This RIR/IRFA evaluates the costs, benefits, and impacts on regulated small entities of a proposed regulatory amendment. This amendment would implement an Interagency Electronic Reporting System for use by catcher/processors and motherships instead of the current electronic reporting. It would also provide an option for use of electronic logbooks instead of paper logbooks by catcher vessels, catcher/processors and motherships. The proposed amendment would provide more uniform language and revise permit-related regulations at 50 CFR part 679 to reorganize the sections of regulations dealing with different types of required logbooks. Part 680 would be revised by removing IFQ crab landing report regulations for incorporation into § 679.5 and by adding a requirement for a CR Registered Crab Receiver Ex-vessel Volume and Value Report. A groundfish observer provision regarding at-sea vessel-to-vessel transfers would likewise be revised. The amendment would include additional miscellaneous revisions to fishing regulations at 50 CFR parts 679 and 680.