When an agency proposes regulations, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires the agency to prepare and make available for public comment an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) that describes the impact on small businesses, non-profit enterprises, local governments, and other small entities. The IRFA is to aid the agency in considering all reasonable regulatory alternatives that would minimize the economic impact on affected small entities. After the public comment period, the agency prepares a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) that takes into consideration any new information or public comments. This FRFA addresses the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council’s) recommended 2012 changes to the Area 2A Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual domestic Area 2A halibut management measures.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Alaska