Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Recreational Landings and Bluefin Tuna Catch Reports

Progress

Summary

**What it does:** The National Marine Fisheries Service is requesting approval to continue collecting data from recreational fishermen who catch Atlantic highly migratory species (like tuna, sharks, and billfish) and bluefin tuna specifically. **Who it affects:** - Recreational fishermen who catch these species in Atlantic waters - Charter boat operators and fishing guides - Private boat owners who fish for these species **What would change:** If approved, fishermen would continue reporting their catches through existing systems - likely online forms, phone calls, or apps. This maintains current data collection requirements rather than creating new ones. The reports help scientists track fish populations and set sustainable fishing limits. **Purpose:** The data helps ensure these valuable fish species remain healthy for future generations while allowing continued recreational fishing opportunities. This is essentially a renewal of existing paperwork requirements, not a new regulation.

How This Affects You