Government Tests Weird Ring Gear to Catch Giant Swordfish Off West Coast
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Marine Fisheries Service is considering a special permit request to test new fishing gear called monofilament rings for catching swordfish and other big fish off the U.S. West Coast. This could change how fishermen operate by allowing a new type of tackle, but they want your thoughts before deciding. If you want to weigh in, make sure to send your comments by May 18, 2026!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilot allows monofilament ring tackle
NMFS is considering an exempted fishing permit (EFP) that would let permitted West Coast deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) vessels use monofilament rings as a substitute for one of the three hooks on each vertical mainline or linked DSBG section. The EFP would exempt those vessels from the Commercial fishing gear definitions at 50 CFR 660.702 and from the circle-hook requirement at 50 CFR 660.715(b)(3), while keeping the maximum of three pieces of terminal tackle per buoy unchanged.
EFP vessels still must meet protected-species rules
If an EFP is issued, vessels using the ring-tackle EFP would still be subject to all other regulations at 50 CFR part 660, subpart K and 50 CFR part 300, subpart C, including measures to protect sea turtles, marine mammals, sharks, and seabirds. NMFS will also analyze any EFP under the National Environmental Policy Act and section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act before issuing an EFP.
Council urged flexible participation in EFPs
The Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended NMFS approve the ring-tackle EFP and to prioritize flexibility in EFP terms to support continued participation in fishery innovations, including consideration of allowing more vessels, provided such flexibility fits within effort limits used in environmental reviews. The Council endorsed testing ring tackle in a variety of EFP gear configurations.
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