West Coast Fishers Allowed More Groundfish Hauls for 2025-2026
Published Date: 3/6/2025
Rule
Summary
This update lets commercial fishers catch more of the healthy groundfish off the West Coast while keeping the weaker fish safe. It affects fishing rules for 2025-2026, helping balance good fishing with smart conservation. These changes kick in during the fishing season to keep things fair and sustainable without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More catch allowed for abundant groundfish
If you operate a commercial fishing vessel off the West Coast, this rule lets you access more abundant groundfish stocks during the 2025-2026 period. The change is an inseason adjustment intended to increase catch opportunities while still managing the fishery.
Protections kept for overfished stocks
The rule keeps protections in place for overfished and depleted groundfish stocks during the 2025-2026 period. Commercial fishers may face limits or restrictions on those weaker stocks so the stocks stay safe.
Inseason changes apply without extra costs
These are routine inseason adjustments that take effect during the fishing season for 2025-2026 and the rule states they occur without imposing extra costs. You will see the management measures adjusted during the season to balance access and conservation.
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