---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1881"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "1881"
heading: "Registration and information management"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/1881"
units:
  - "Chapter 38 — Fishery Conservation and Management"
  - "Subchapter V — Fishery Monitoring and Research"
---

# §1881. Registration and information management

- (a) **Standardized fishing vessel registration and information management system—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall, in cooperation with the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r), the [Councils](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8), and [Marine Fisheries Commissions](/usc/16/1802.md?p=28), develop recommendations for implementation of a standardized [fishing vessel](/usc/16/1802.md?p=18) registration and information management system on a regional basis. The recommendations shall be developed after consultation with interested governmental and nongovernmental parties and shall—
  - (1) be designed to standardize the requirements of vessel registration and information collection systems required by this chapter, the Marine Mammal Protection Act ([16 U.S.C. 1361](/usc/16/1361.md) et seq.), and any other marine resource law implemented by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39), and, with the permission of a [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40), any marine resource law implemented by such [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40);
  - (2) integrate information collection programs under existing [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) [management plans](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) into a non-duplicative information collection and management system;
  - (3) avoid duplication of existing [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40), tribal, or Federal systems and shall utilize, to the maximum extent practicable, information collected from existing systems;
  - (4) provide for implementation of the system through cooperative agreements with appropriate [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40), regional, or tribal entities and [Marine Fisheries Commissions](/usc/16/1802.md?p=28);
  - (5) provide for funding (subject to appropriations) to assist appropriate [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40), regional, or tribal entities and [Marine Fisheries Commissions](/usc/16/1802.md?p=28) in implementation;
  - (6) establish standardized [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of measurement, nomenclature, and formats for the collection and submission of information;
  - (7) minimize the paperwork required for vessels registered under the system;
  - (8) include all species of [fish](/usc/16/1802.md?p=12) within the geographic [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of authority of the [Councils](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8) and all [fishing vessels](/usc/16/1802.md?p=18) including [charter fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=3) vessels, but excluding [recreational fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=37) vessels;
  - (9) require [United States fish processors](/usc/16/1802.md?p=46), and [fish](/usc/16/1802.md?p=12) dealers and other first ex-vessel purchasers of [fish](/usc/16/1802.md?p=12) that are subject to the proposed system, to submit information (other than economic information) which may be necessary to meet the goals of the proposed system; and
  - (10) include procedures necessary to ensure—
    - (A) the confidentiality of information collected under this section in accordance with [section 1881a(b) of this title](/usc/16/1881a.md?p=b); and
    - (B) the timely release or availability to the public of information collected under this section consistent with [section 1881a(b) of this title](/usc/16/1881a.md?p=b).
- (b) **Fishing vessel registration—** The proposed registration system should, at a minimum, obtain the following information for each [fishing vessel](/usc/16/1802.md?p=18)—
  - (1) the name and official number or other identification, together with the name and address of the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) or operator or both;
  - (2) gross tonnage, vessel capacity, type and quantity of [fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=16) gear, mode of operation (catcher, catcher processor, or other), and such other pertinent information with respect to vessel characteristics as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) may require; and
  - (3) identification (by species, gear type, geographic [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of operations, and season) of the [fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) in which the [fishing vessel](/usc/16/1802.md?p=18) participates.
- (c) **Fishery information—** The proposed information management system should, at a minimum, provide basic [fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) performance information for each [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13), including—
  - (1) the number of vessels participating in the [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) including [charter fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=3) vessels;
  - (2) the time period in which the [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) occurs;
  - (3) the approximate geographic location or official reporting [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) where the [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) occurs;
  - (4) a description of [fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=16) gear used in the [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13), including the amount and type of such gear and the appropriate [unit](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of [fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=16) effort; and
  - (5) other information required under subsection[^1] [1853(a)(5)](/usc/16/1853.md?p=a-5) of this title or requested by the [Council](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8) under [section 1881a of this title](/usc/16/1881a.md).
- (d) **Use of registration—** Any registration recommended under this section shall not be considered a permit for the purposes of this chapter, and the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) may not propose to revoke, suspend, deny, or impose any other conditions or restrictions on any such registration or the use of such registration under this chapter.
- (e) **Public comment—** Within one year after October 11, 1996, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall publish in the Federal Register for a 60-day public comment period a proposal that would provide for implementation of a standardized [fishing vessel](/usc/16/1802.md?p=18) registration and information collection system that meets the requirements of subsections [(a)](#a) through [(c)](#c). The proposal shall include—
  - (1) a description of the arrangements of the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) for consultation and cooperation with the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r), the [Councils](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8), [Marine Fisheries Commissions](/usc/16/1802.md?p=28), the [fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=16) industry and other interested parties; and
  - (2) any proposed regulations or legislation necessary to implement the proposal.
- (f) **Congressional transmittal—** Within 60 days after the end of the comment period and after consideration of comments received under [subsection (e)](#e), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a recommended proposal for implementation of a national [fishing vessel](/usc/16/1802.md?p=18) registration system that includes—
  - (1) any modifications made after comment and consultation;
  - (2) a proposed implementation schedule, including a schedule for the proposed cooperative agreements required under [subsection (a)(4)](#a-4); and
  - (3) recommendations for any such additional legislation as the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) considers necessary or desirable to implement the proposed system.
- (g) **Recreational fisheries—**
  - (1) **Federal program—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall establish and implement a regionally based registry program for recreational fishermen in each of the 8 [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) management regions. The program, which shall not require a fee before January 1, 2011, shall provide for—
    - (A) the registration (including identification and contact information) of individuals who engage in [recreational fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=37)—
      - (i) in the [Exclusive Economic Zone](/usc/16/1802.md?p=11);
      - (ii) for [anadromous species](/usc/16/1802.md?p=1); or
      - (iii) for [Continental Shelf fishery resources](/usc/16/1802.md?p=7) beyond the [Exclusive Economic Zone](/usc/16/1802.md?p=11); and
    - (B) if appropriate, the registration (including the ownership, operator, and identification of the vessel) of vessels used in such [fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=16).
  - (2) **State programs—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall exempt from registration under the program recreational fishermen and [charter fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=3) vessels licensed, permitted, or registered under the laws of a [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) determines that information from the [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) program is suitable for the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39)’s use or is used to assist in completing marine recreational [fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) statistical surveys, or evaluating the effects of proposed [conservation and management](/usc/16/1802.md?p=5) measures for marine recreational [fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13).
  - (3) **Data collection—**
    - (A) **Improvement of the marine recreational fishery statistics survey—** Within 24 months after January 12, 2007, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39), in consultation with representatives of the [recreational fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=37) industry and experts in statistics, technology, and other appropriate fields, shall establish a program to improve the quality and accuracy of information generated by the Marine Recreational [Fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) Statistics Survey, with a goal of achieving acceptable accuracy and utility for each individual [fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13).
    - (B) **NRC report recommendations—** The program shall [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) into consideration and, to the extent feasible, implement the recommendations of the National Research [Council](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8) in its report Review of Recreational [Fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) Survey Methods (2006), including—
      - (i) redesigning the Survey to improve the effectiveness and appropriateness of sampling and estimation procedures, its applicability to various kinds of management decisions, and its usefulness for social and economic analyses; and
      - (ii) providing for ongoing technical evaluation and modification as needed to meet emerging management needs.
    - (C) **Methodology—** Unless the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) determines that alternate methods will achieve this goal more efficiently and effectively, the program shall, to the extent possible, include—
      - (i) an adequate number of intercepts to accurately estimate recreational catch and effort;
      - (ii) use of surveys that target anglers registered or licensed at the [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) or Federal level to collect participation and effort data;
      - (iii) collection and analysis of vessel trip report data from [charter fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=3) vessels;
      - (iv) development of a weather corrective factor that can be applied to recreational catch and effort estimates; and
      - (v) an independent committee composed of recreational fishermen, academics, [persons](/usc/16/1802.md?p=36) with expertise in stock assessments and survey design, and appropriate personnel from the National Marine [Fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) Service to review the collection estimates, geographic, and other variables related to dockside intercepts and to identify deficiencies in recreational data collection, and possible correction measures.
    - (D) **Deadline—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall complete the program under this paragraph and implement the improved Marine Recreational [Fishery](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) Statistics Survey not later than January 1, 2009.
  - (4) **Federal-State partnerships—**
    - (A) **Establishment—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall establish a partnership with a [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) to develop best practices for implementing the [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) program established under [paragraph (2)](#g-2).
    - (B) **Guidance—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall develop guidance, in cooperation with the [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r), that details best practices for administering [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) programs pursuant to [paragraph (2)](#g-2), and provide such guidance to the [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r).
    - (C) **Biennial report—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and publish biennial reports that include—
      - (i) the estimated accuracy of—
        - (I) the information provided under subparagraphs [(A)](#g-1-A) and [(B)](#g-1-B) of paragraph (1) for each registry program established under that paragraph; and
        - (II) the information from each [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) program that is used to assist in completing surveys or evaluating effects of [conservation and management](/usc/16/1802.md?p=5) measures under [paragraph (2)](#g-2);
      - (ii) priorities for improving [recreational fishing](/usc/16/1802.md?p=37) data collection; and
      - (iii) an explanation of any use of information collected by such [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) programs and by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39).
    - (D) **States grant program—**
      - (i) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) may make grants to [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r) to—
        - (I) improve implementation of [State](/usc/16/1802.md?p=40) programs consistent with this subsection; and
        - (II) assist such programs in complying with requirements related to changes in recreational data collection under [paragraph (3)](#g-3).
      - (ii) **Use of funds—** Any funds awarded through such grants shall be used to support data collection, quality assurance, and outreach to entities submitting such data. The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall prioritize such grants based on the ability of the grant to improve the quality and accuracy of such programs.
  - (5) **Report—** Within 24 months after establishment of the program, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall submit a report to Congress that describes the progress made toward achieving the goals and objectives of the program.
- (h) **Action by Secretary—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39) shall—
  - (1) within 90 days after December 31, 2018, enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate, in the form of a report—
    - (A) how the design of the Marine Recreational Information Program, for the purposes of stock assessment and the determination of stock management reference points, can be improved to better meet the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits under [section 1853(a)(15) of this title](/usc/16/1853.md?p=a-15); and
    - (B) what actions the [Secretary](/usc/16/1802.md?p=39), [Councils](/usc/16/1802.md?p=8), and [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r) could [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) to improve the accuracy and timeliness of data collection and analysis to improve the Marine Recreational Information Program and facilitate in-season management; and
  - (2) within 6 months after receiving the report under [paragraph (1)](#h-1), submit to Congress recommendations regarding—
    - (A) changes to be made to the Marine Recreational Information Program to make the program better meet the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits and other requirements under such section; and
    - (B) alternative management approaches that could be applied to recreational [fisheries](/usc/16/1802.md?p=13) for which the Marine Recreational Information Program is not meeting the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits, consistent with other requirements of this chapter, until such time as the changes in [subparagraph (A)](#h-2-A) are implemented.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “section”.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 94–265, title IV, § 401, as added Pub. L. 104–297, title II, § 202, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3605; amended Pub. L. 109–479, title II, § 201, Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3611; Pub. L. 115–405, § 202, Dec. 31, 2018, 132 Stat. 5359.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (d) and (h)(2)(B), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 94–265, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 331, known as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1801 of this title and Tables.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), probably means the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, Pub. L. 92–522, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1027, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§ 1361 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1361 of this title and Tables.

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 1881, Pub. L. 94–265, title IV, § 401, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 359, related to authority to amend regulations to conform to Law of the Sea Treaty, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–659, title I, § 110, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3715.

### Amendments

2018—Subsec. (g)(4), (5). Pub. L. 115–405, § 202(1), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–405, § 202(2), added subsec. (h).

2007—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–479 added subsec. (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which required a report to Congress.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Change of Name

Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

### Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

### NAS Report Recommendations

Pub. L. 115–405, § 201(b), Dec. 31, 2018, 132 Stat. 5358, provided that: “The Secretary of Commerce shall take into consideration and, to the extent feasible, implement the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences in the report entitled ‘Review of the Marine Recreational Information Program (2017)’, and shall submit, every 2 years following the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2018], a report to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives] detailing progress made implementing those recommendations. Recommendations considered shall include— prioritizing the evaluation of electronic data collection, including smartphone applications, electronic diaries for prospective data collection, and an internet website option for panel members or for the public; evaluating whether the design of the Marine Recreational Information Program for the purposes of stock assessment and the determination of stock management reference points is compatible with the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits; and if the Marine Recreational Information Program is incompatible with the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits, determining an alternative method for in-season management.”