West Coast Fishermen Test Night Gear for Speedy Swordfish Catches
Published Date: 7/22/2025
Notice
Summary
Fishermen on the U.S. West Coast want to try new ways to catch swordfish and other fast-swimming fish by using special gear at night. The government is reviewing these requests and asking the public to share their thoughts before making a decision. This could change fishing rules and help test smarter, safer fishing methods starting in 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
West Coast night-set swordfish tests
Fishermen on the U.S. West Coast applied in 2025 for exempted fishing permits to test alternative night fishing gear to harvest swordfish and other highly migratory species. Applicants seek exemptions from regulatory provisions in the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species to use modified standard and linked deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) at night, or night-set buoy gear (NSBG). NMFS reviewed these applications after the June 2025 Council meeting, determined they warrant further consideration, and is requesting public comment.
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