Government Confirms Herring, Salmon, and Sardines Still Overfished
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The government has found that Atlantic herring, Klamath River Chinook salmon, and northern Pacific sardine populations are still overfished, meaning their numbers are too low. This affects fishermen and coastal communities who rely on these fish, and it means stricter rules will stay in place to help these fish bounce back. These changes are based on recent data and will guide fishing limits to protect these species starting now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Atlantic herring declared overfished
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) found that Atlantic herring continues to be overfished. This determination is based on a 2024 assessment using data through 2023 that found the spawning stock biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS says it will continue to work with the New England Fishery Management Council to rebuild the stock.
Klamath River Chinook still overfished
NMFS found the West Coast Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon stock continues to be overfished. This determination is based on a 2025 assessment using data from 2022–2024 that found the 3-year geometric mean escapement is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS will continue to work with the Pacific Fishery Management Council to rebuild this stock.
Northern Pacific sardine now overfished
NMFS determined the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine is overfished. This determination is based on a 2025 assessment using data through 2024 that found the age 1+ biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS will continue to work with the Pacific Fishery Management Council to rebuild this stock.
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