Regulatory Impact Review for a Proposed/Final Rule to Remove Vessel Cap Limitations for Individual Fishing Quota Halibut Harvested in IPHC Regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D for the Remainder of the 2021 IFQ Fishing Season

This Regulatory Impact Review evaluates the costs and benefits of a regulatory action to modify the halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. The action would remove vessel cap limitations for IFQ halibut harvested in International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D for the remainder of the 2021 IFQ fishing season. This action would not modify any other aspects of the IFQ Program. This action is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health concerns.  It is within the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to establish additional regulations governing the taking of halibut under the provisions of the Halibut Act.