NMFS Alaska Region Scale and Catch Weighing Requirements

The At-Sea Scales Program was developed in response for catch accounting methodologies that were more precise and verifiable at the level of the individual haul and less dependent on estimates generated by at-sea observers. This was necessary as a result of the implementation of large-scale catch share programs that required NMFS to provide verifiable and defensible estimates of quota harvest. Shore-based processor participating in catch share program have many of the same catch accounting and monitoring goals as those described above. However, there are several differences that require unique monitoring tools to obtain precise and verifiable catch amounts for quota management. First, shore-based processors vary more in size, facilities and layout than do catcher/processors or motherships. Second, the State of Alaska is responsible for approving scales used for trade by shore-based processors and has developed an effective program for their inspection and approval. This revision of the existing information collection is due to an associated rule that requires vessels participating in halibut deck sorting to develop deck safety plans, implement pre-cruise safety meetings, and modify observer duties for an observer on board vessels participating in halibut deck sorting (RIN 0648-BI53).

The latest form for NMFS Alaska Region Scale and Catch Weighing Requirements expires 2021-01-31 and can be found here.

Catch monitor and control plan addendum

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Natural Resources - Conservation, Marine and Land Management