New Rules Set for Pacific Halibut Commercial Fishing
Published Date: 6/25/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting in 2025, commercial fishers south of Point Chehalis, WA, will see new rules for catching Pacific halibut, including set fishing times and catch limits. Permit deadlines are changing, and updates about fishing seasons will come faster to help protect halibut while still letting fishers do their thing. These changes aim to keep halibut healthy and fishing fair along the West Coast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New 2025 Fishing Periods and Limits
Starting for the 2025 Area 2A commercial halibut fishery (south of Point Chehalis, WA at lat. 46°53.30' N), NMFS is setting specific fishing periods and fishing-period catch limits for the non‑Tribal directed commercial fishery. These rules change when and how much commercial fishers can catch during each open period.
Modified Permit Deadline Rules
NMFS is changing permit deadlines for all Area 2A non‑Tribal commercial fisheries that operate off Washington, Oregon, and California. These changes alter when commercial fishers must apply for or renew the permits that let them fish in Area 2A.
Faster Inseason Announcement Procedures
NMFS will change inseason action announcement procedures for the Area 2A non‑Tribal directed commercial halibut fishery so updates about fishing seasons and actions are provided more quickly. Quicker announcements are intended to help protect halibut while informing fishers about open periods and limits.
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