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

This RIR/IRFA evaluates the costs and benefits, and the impacts on regulated small entities, of a proposed regulatory amendment (a) to implement an Interagency Electronic Reporting System (IERS) for use by catcher/processors and motherships instead of current electronic reporting (SPELR), (b) to provide an option for use of electronic logbooks (ELBs) instead of paper logbooks by catcher vessels, catcher/processors and motherships, (c) to provide more uniform language and revise permit related regulations at 50 CFR part 679, (d) to reorganize the sections of regulations dealing with different types of required logbooks, (e) to revise Part 680 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, (f) to revise a groundfish observer provision regarding at-sea vessel-to-vessel transfers, and (g) to make miscellaneous revisions to fishing regulations at 50 CFR parts 679 and 680. The RIR addresses the requirements of Executive Order 12866 for an analysis of the costs and benefits of the action, while the IRFA addresses the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act for a review of the action’s impacts on small entities. 2007 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) AKR (Alaska Region) Submitted Public Domain 1861