New Rules for Halibut Hauls Off Washington, Oregon, California Shores
Published Date: 4/8/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen who catch Pacific halibut off Washington, Oregon, and California will see new fishing rules for 2025. These changes set when and how much they can fish, plus update permit deadlines and how quick announcements are made during the season. The goal? Protect halibut populations while still giving fishers a fair chance to catch their share.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Per‑Vessel Catch Limits for First Two Periods
For the first two 2025 fishing periods, NMFS proposes vessel catch limits by vessel‑length class: Classes A–C (1–35 ft) = 2,000 lb (0.907 mt); D–E (36–45 ft) = 3,400 lb (1.542 mt); F–G (46–55 ft) = 4,300 lb (1.950 mt); H (56+ ft) = 5,000 lb (2.268 mt). If a vessel's length falls between classes, length is rounded up.
You Cannot Hold Both Permit Types
Vessels may not be permitted to participate in both the Pacific halibut incidental to the salmon troll fishery and the directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery in Area 2A.
Faster Inseason Notices via Email
NMFS will add direct email notification to affected permit holders for inseason actions (adding fishing periods or closing the fishery). Inseason actions will still be published in the Federal Register and on the NMFS website and will be effective upon the earlier of email receipt or Federal Register publication.
Subsequent Period Limits Set Equal
If NMFS determines more than two fishing periods are needed, the fishing period limits for third and later periods will be set equal across all vessel classes through inseason action. Second‑period limits may also be adjusted inseason if necessary.
2025 Non‑Tribal Allocation Set
The non‑Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut allocation for Area 2A in 2025 is set at 259,515 pounds (118 metric tons) net weight. The rule notes this 2025 allocation is 4 percent higher than in 2024.
Fixed First Two Fishing Dates
NMFS is proposing the first two directed commercial fishing periods in 2025 to be June 24, 2025 (08:00 PDT) to June 26, 2025 (18:00 PDT) and July 8, 2025 (08:00 PDT) to July 10, 2025 (18:00 PDT). A third period is proposed for July 22–24, 2025, with any later periods to follow every two weeks as needed.
Permit Deadline Moved to March 15
Applications for permits for Area 2A non‑Tribal directed commercial and incidental fisheries must be received by NMFS no later than 23:59 PDT on March 15, or by 23:59 PDT the next business day if March 15 is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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