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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12272 — Resin Acids, Esters With Glycerol in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
The EPA just made it official: resin acids mixed with glycerol can be used in pesticides on crops without worrying about residue limits. This means farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies get a smoother ride—no more setting max residue levels for this ingredient. The rule kicks in June 18, 2026, and if anyone wants to object, they have until August 17, 2026 to speak up.
2026-12303 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Final 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon
The 2026 salmon fishing rules for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are set and ready to go starting June 17, 2026. These new limits help protect salmon populations while supporting local fishermen and communities. If you fish or buy salmon from this area, expect smart management that balances nature and business through next year.
2026-12324 — Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Native American Programs
This new rule cuts out old, confusing paperwork and rules for Native American programs, making it easier for tribes and Native organizations to get grants and support. It affects Native communities across the U.S. and kicks in on August 17, 2026, helping save time and reduce hassle without changing funding amounts. Basically, it’s a smoother, faster way to boost Native-led projects and community growth.
2026-12277 — Special Conditions: Honeywell Aerospace US LLC, Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 900EX Airplane; Electronic System Security Protection From Unauthorized External Access
Honeywell Aerospace is upgrading the Dassault Falcon 900EX with new digital systems that connect the plane to outside networks like the internet and wireless devices. Because this is a new kind of tech for airplanes, the FAA is setting special safety rules to keep hackers out and protect the plane’s electronics. These rules take effect June 18, 2026, and Honeywell must follow them to keep flights safe without extra costs for passengers.
2026-12307 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Virginia
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Virginia to help both states meet their fishing goals. This change starts June 17, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair. Commercial fishers in both states will see updated limits, keeping the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.
2026-12376 — Final Waivers and Extensions of the Project Periods With Funding for the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center
The Department of Education is giving 43 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services projects and one Training and Technical Assistance Center extra time and money to keep helping through September 30, 2027. They’re waiving rules that usually limit projects to five years so these programs can continue their important work without interruption. This extension starts July 20, 2026, making sure support for American Indian communities stays strong and steady.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00526 — Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in the United States; Ratification of Department's Actions
The Department of Labor officially confirmed the rules from 2022 that guide how farms can hire temporary foreign workers (called H-2A workers) for seasonal jobs. This means employers and workers now have clear, official guidelines to follow, helping farms get the help they need while protecting workers’ rights. The ratification took effect on January 7, 2025, so everyone should be ready to roll with these rules now.
Next: 2025-00625 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category January Through March Quota Transfer
NOAA is moving 20.5 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from December 2025 to the January-March 2025 period. This gives commercial fishermen and charter boats with commercial endorsements more chances to catch and sell bluefin tuna early in the year. The change kicks in January 8, 2025, and lasts through March 31, 2025, helping fishermen make the most of their fishing season.