RIR/IRFA Regulatory Amendment to the Halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) and Sablefish IFQ Program to Prohibit Use of Hired Skippers for Future Transfers
October 19, 2012
Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis of a Regulatory Amendment to the Halibut and Sablefish IFQ Program to Prohibit Use of Hired Skippers for Future Transfers of Halibut or Sablefish Catcher Vessel Quota Shares.
This analysis evaluates the costs and benefits of proposed changes to the Halibut/Sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Programs. These proposed changes would narrow current restrictions for initial recipients of catcher vessel quota share to use a hired master (skipper) to harvest their IFQs in all areas where hired skippers are allowed. In February 2010, the Council initiated this analysis to prohibit use of hired skippers for halibut B, C, and D class quota share or sablefish B and C class quota share transferred after a control date of February 12, 2010 (the date of Council action). This proposed action would not affect category A quota share or individual initial recipients in Area 2C (halibut) and Southeast (sablefish) (who are restricted from using hired skippers in those areas).