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.
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.
2026-17500, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish; Framework Adjustment 17
Through this action, NMFS is implementing specifications and management measures in Framework Adjustment 17 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action sets monkfish specifications for fishing year 2026, projects specifications for fishing years 2027 and 2028, streamlines the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Overage Accountability Measure (AM) trigger, and adds default specifications for the monkfish fishery. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05902, Amendment of Class D Airspace and Establishment of Class E Airspace; Little Rock, AR
The airspace around Little Rock Air Force Base is getting a makeover! Because the control tower will only work part-time, the FAA is changing the rules to keep flights safe by adjusting Class D airspace and adding new Class E airspace. Pilots flying in and out of Little Rock, AR, should get ready for these changes, which won’t cost anyone extra but will start soon to keep the skies smooth and safe.
Next: 2025-05943, Petitions for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding; Correction
The FCC fixed a mistake in a recent notice about petitions asking for rule changes. They corrected the deadline for when replies to opposition comments must be sent in. This update helps everyone involved know exactly when to act—no confusion, no delays!