Final Regulatory Impact Review for a Temporary Rule (Emergency Action) to Allow Flexibility for Halibut and Sablefish IFQ Transfers in 2021

This Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) evaluates the costs and benefits of an emergency rule to modify the halibut and sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program that would provide flexibility for quota share (QS) holders to temporarily transfer their IFQ to an eligible individual to harvest their IFQ. This emergency rule would apply only to catcher vessel QS that is held by individuals. This rule would not apply to catcher vessel QS that is held by corporations, partnerships, or other non-individual entities. Any individual who holds B, C, or D vessel class QS would be able to temporarily transfer their IFQ during the remaining 2021 IFQ fishing season. This action would not modify any additional restrictions on IFQ transfers. 2021 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) AKR (Alaska Region) Submitted Public Domain 1861