Pacific Halibut Fishers Face 2025 Schedule and Quota Shakeup
Published Date: 4/8/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting in 2025, commercial fishers south of Point Chehalis, WA, will see new rules for catching Pacific halibut, including when and how much they can fish. The government is also changing permit deadlines and how they announce fishing updates to keep halibut populations healthy while still giving fishers a fair shot. These changes help protect the fish and support the fishing community along the West Coast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
2025 Fishing Periods and Limits Set
If you are a commercial fisher operating south of Point Chehalis, WA (lat. 46°53.30' N) in IPHC Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California, new annual management measures for 2025 will set specific fishing periods and fishing‑period limits. These rules tell you when you may fish and how much halibut you may catch during those periods for the 2025 directed commercial fishery.
Permit Deadline Dates Are Modified
The agency will modify permit deadlines for all Area 2A non‑Tribal commercial fisheries. If you hold or need a permit to participate in Area 2A commercial fisheries off Washington, Oregon, or California, the dates by which you must apply or renew permits will change.
Inseason Announcement Procedures Changed
NMFS will modify how it announces inseason actions for the Area 2A non‑Tribal directed commercial halibut fishery. If you fish commercially in Area 2A off WA, OR, or CA, the way and timing of official fishing updates and announcements during the season will change.
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