1 Jul 2025

🐟Maritime Administration Proposes Changes to American Fisheries Act Regulations

Deregulatory-American Fisheries Act Program Update; Simplifying the Application Process

Summary

On May 1, 2019, MARAD published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), titled "How Best to Simplify Filing Statements of American Fisheries Act Citizenship: Policy and Regulatory Review," soliciting public comment on steps MARAD could take to simplify and modernize the process for evidencing U.S. citizenship for owners of U.S.-flag fishing industry vessels of 100 feet or greater in registered length. In response to public support for updating our regulations, MARAD is soliciting public comments on this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Consistent with comments received, the proposed rule would simplify the annual citizenship filing procedures under the American Fisheries Act (AFA) program in order to reduce costs or administrative burdens placed on owners of fishing industry vessels. MARAD proposes (1) to simplify and streamline annual renewal filing for vessel owners whose citizenship information has not changed since their affidavit of U.S. citizenship (AFA Affidavit) filing; (2) to update acceptable methods for evidencing citizenship of publicly traded entities; and (3) to eliminate requirements to provide personally identifiable information (i.e., social security numbers and dates and places of birth for corporate officers and directors) in affidavits of AFA citizenship.

Agencies

  • Transportation Department
  • Maritime Administration

Business Impact ?

$$ - Med

The regulatory proposal aims to simplify the citizenship filing process for owners of U.S.-flag fishing vessels, reducing administrative burdens and costs for business owners. Specific changes include streamlined filings and eliminated requirements for personally identifiable information, directly impacting compliance requirements and operational efficiency in the fishing industry.

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