Herring Hold-Back: 2,000-Pound Limit Hits Northeast Fishermen
Published Date: 8/11/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting soon, fishermen in Area 1A can only keep up to 2,000 pounds of Atlantic herring at a time. This change helps protect herring populations because they’re getting caught too fast, hitting 92% of the limit early. By limiting catches now, we avoid bigger cuts and keep the fishery healthy for the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Area 1A 2,000‑lb Possession Limit
If you fish Atlantic herring in Management Area 1A, you may only possess up to 2,000 pounds (907.2 kg) of herring at a time. NMFS set this limit because catch from Area 1A reached 92 percent of the area's sub-annual catch limit before the end of the fishing year.
Action Aims To Prevent Later Cuts
This possession limit is intended to prevent overharvest of herring in Area 1A so the fishery does not face additional catch limit reductions in a subsequent year. The rule's stated goal is to keep the herring resource and the fishery healthier for the future.
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.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15198, Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; 2025 Catch Sharing Plan; Inseason Action
Good news for Pacific halibut anglers! The fishing season in the Columbia River and Washington areas just got longer with new dates added in August and September. Plus, some fishing spots in Oregon are sharing their catch limits to help everyone enjoy more fishing fun in 2025.
Next: 2025-15211, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program; Correction
The Department of State fixed a mistake in a recent visa rule that said part of it would end in August 2026, but that was wrong. They also cleaned up some confusing paragraph labels. This update helps visa applicants and officials know the correct rules and timing without any mix-ups.