Modernizing confidential fisheries data regulations and national implementation for a federal fisheries science office

The challenge. Federal fisheries law requires fishing businesses to report detailed information to the government and requires that this information remain confidential. A federal fisheries science office needed to modernize the regulations and procedures governing how these data are maintained, accessed, and shared. National and regional practices had diverged, creating inconsistency and friction for both data providers and data users.

Our approach. In the first engagement (2023–2025), we evaluated the performance of national and regional policies governing access to confidential fisheries information. We gathered input from regional offices, third parties, industry representatives, and the public to identify bottlenecks, then supported proposed and final rulemaking to revise the regulations. In the current engagement (2025–present), we are working with regional offices, science centers, and external partners to implement a national policy and internal procedures for maintaining, accessing, and sharing confidential information.

Outcomes.

• Support for proposed and final rulemaking to revise the regulations, including responses to public comments.
• Policy and procedural directives to guide compliance with the new rules.
• Revised national internal control procedures for handling confidential business information.
• Standards for aggregating data into summary form that protects personal and business identities.
• A framework for responding to internal and public requests to access or disclose confidential data.
• Recommendations to reduce inefficiencies in existing data collection programs.

Why it matters. Fishery management depends on accurate data from the fishing industry. Clear, consistent confidentiality rules protect the people who provide that data while making it easier for scientists and managers to use it.