West Coast Sardine Plan Updated for Sustainability
Published Date: 6/3/2025
Rule
Summary
Fishermen and coastal communities along the West Coast will see new rules to help rebuild the northern Pacific sardine population. Starting May 30, 2025, Amendment 23 changes how the sardine fishery is managed to protect this important fish and keep the ocean healthy. These updates aim to balance fishing with conservation, ensuring a brighter future for both fish and fishers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
West Coast sardine rebuilding rules
Starting May 30, 2025, Amendment 23 changes how the northern Pacific sardine fishery is managed by implementing a revised rebuilding plan for the northern sardine subpopulation. The rule aims to protect the sardine and balance fishing with conservation to support fishermen and coastal communities along the West Coast.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-12303 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Final 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon
The 2026 salmon fishing rules for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are set and ready to go starting June 17, 2026. These new limits help protect salmon populations while supporting local fishermen and communities. If you fish or buy salmon from this area, expect smart management that balances nature and business through next year.
2026-12307 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Virginia
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Virginia to help both states meet their fishing goals. This change starts June 17, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair. Commercial fishers in both states will see updated limits, keeping the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.
2026-12175 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures
Starting January 1, 2027, new rules will limit how much shallow-water grouper fish can be caught in the Gulf of America, especially scamp and yellowmouth grouper. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting lower catch limits and a fixed closed season for recreational fishing to help protect these fish while more long-term plans are developed. The goal is to keep grouper populations healthy and fishing fun for years to come.
2026-12194 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coastal Zone Management Program Administration
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their paperwork about managing U.S. coastal areas. This helps make sure the forms are clear and not too much work for states and others involved. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, and this update won’t cost extra money but keeps the program running smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10064 — Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
The Office of Surface Mining is raising fines for breaking mining rules to keep up with inflation. This means anyone who violates mining laws will face bigger penalties starting soon. These updates make sure the fines stay fair and effective over time.
Next: C1-2025-09552 — Tobacco Grading and Inspections Services-Rescission of Regulations Establishing Tobacco Price Support Provisions
The government is officially ending the rules that set price supports for tobacco farmers, meaning no more guaranteed prices for their crops. This change affects tobacco growers and buyers starting July 29, 2025, and could impact how much money farmers make from their tobacco. It’s a big shift toward letting the market decide tobacco prices without government backing.