Feds Slash Herring Limits Before Fishermen Trigger Quota Apocalypse
Published Date: 1/13/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 8, 2025, fishermen in Atlantic Herring Management Area 1B can only catch and keep up to 2,000 pounds of herring per trip to avoid overfishing. This temporary limit will last through the end of 2025 to protect the herring population and keep the fishery healthy for future years. If you fish in this area, plan your trips carefully to stay within the new rules and avoid penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
2,000‑lb per‑trip catch cap for Area 1B
If you fish in Atlantic Herring Management Area 1B, you may not catch, possess, transfer, purchase, receive, land, or sell more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring per trip or more than once per calendar day in or from Area 1B. This limit is effective 00:01 local time January 8, 2025 through December 31, 2025 and was triggered because catch was projected to reach 92% of the area's sub-annual catch limit.
Dealers barred from buying over 2,000 lb/day
Federally permitted dealers may not purchase, receive, possess, have custody or control of, sell, barter, trade, or transfer more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring per trip or calendar day from Area 1B. This dealer restriction is effective 00:01 local time January 8, 2025 through 24:00 local time December 31, 2025.
Port‑entry exception for trips before Jan 8
Vessels that enter port before 00:01 local time on January 8, 2025 may land and sell more than 2,000 lb of herring from an Area 1B trip, provided the catch is landed in accordance with state management measures. This exception applies only to trips that entered port before the rule's effective time.
Transit/landing exception for fish from other areas
Vessels may transit or land in Area 1B with more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring on board if the herring were caught in an area not subject to the 2,000‑lb limit, all fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use, and the vessel has been issued a permit appropriate to the amount of herring on board and the harvest area. This exception is effective 00:01 local time January 8, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
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