NOAA Caps Atlantic Herring at 2,000 Pounds Per Trip in Area 3
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 12, 2025, fishermen in Management Area 3 can only catch and keep up to 2,000 pounds of Atlantic herring per trip or day. This limit helps prevent overfishing since the herring catch is almost at its yearly cap. The rule lasts until the end of 2025 and aims to keep the fishery healthy and avoid stricter limits next year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
2,000‑lb per trip/day catch cap
Starting February 12, 2025, if you fish in Management Area 3 you may not fish for, possess, transfer, purchase, receive, land, or sell more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip or more than once per calendar day in or from Area 3. This limit remains in effect through December 31, 2025.
2,000‑lb rule bypasses 40,000‑lb trigger
NMFS bypassed the regulatory 40,000‑lb (18,143.7 kg) possession limit that would be required when catch reaches 90 percent of the Area 3 sub-ACL and instead implemented the 2,000‑lb (907.2 kg) possession limit because projections showed Area 3 would reach 98 percent of its sub-ACL by January 18, 2025.
Dealers limited to 2,000‑lb purchases
From 0001 hr local time February 12, 2025, through 2400 hr local time December 31, 2025, 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 3, unless the fish are from a vessel that entered port before February 12, 2025 and landed in accordance with State measures.
Landing exception for trips before Feb 12
Vessels that enter port before February 12, 2025, may land and sell more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring from an Area 3 trip, provided that the catch is landed in accordance with State management measures.
Transit/landing with >2,000 lb allowed under conditions
Vessels may transit or land in Area 3 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 is issued a permit appropriate to the amount of herring on board and the area where the herring was harvested.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02703, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly or fix Airbus EC225LP helicopters, listen up! The FAA updated safety rules to check and possibly replace certain main rotor parts to keep flights safe. These new rules start March 5, 2025, and add more parts to watch out for, so don’t wait to inspect or replace them—your helicopter’s safety depends on it!
Next: 2025-02728, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Reclassification of Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) From Threatened to Endangered
The government is officially upgrading the pillar coral’s status from threatened to endangered because it’s in bigger trouble than before. This change affects anyone who cares about protecting coral reefs and marine life, with the new rule now set to take effect on March 21, 2025, after a short delay. This move helps focus more attention and resources on saving this special coral before it’s too late!