H.R. 404 would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct a transition program to facilitate the phaseout of large-scale driftnet fishing. The bill would authorize NOAA to provide grants to operators of driftnet fishing vessels with federal permits. Those grants would cover the cost of permits, the forfeiture of existing fishing gear, and the acquisition of alternative new fishing gear. The bill also would allow NOAA to impose fees on charter vessels that harvest Pacific halibut in certain parts of the northern Pacific Ocean.
According to NOAA, 42 vessels currently have driftnet fishing permits. CBO expects that most but not all of those vessels would apply for the grants authorized by H.R. 404. Using information from NOAA about the expected costs to reimburse fishers for the forfeited fishing gear and to purchase alternate gear, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $3 million over the 2023-2027 period. Such spending would be subject to availability of appropriated funds.
H.R. 404 also would authorize NOAA to levy additional fees on certain charter vessels that harvest Pacific halibut, which would then be spent on halibut conservation and research, administrative costs for the Recreational Quota Entity program, and purchases of halibut quota shares from the International Pacific Halibut Commission. The collection of those fees (and associated spending) could only occur to the extent that authority is provided in appropriations acts beginning in fiscal year 2023.
