Final rule · 2026-11267

American Fisheries Act Program Update; Simplifying the Application Process

On July 1, 2025, MARAD published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), titled "American Fisheries Act Program Update; Simplifying the Application Process," 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. MARAD received one comment reiterating support for the steps MARAD has taken to update the regulation. MARAD's amendments to the rule will 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, update acceptable methods for evidencing citizenship of publicly traded entities, and 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.