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.
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.
2026-10260 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Regional Coastal Observing Systems (RCOS)
NOAA is asking for approval to keep collecting info from 11 groups involved in Regional Coastal Observing Systems. They’re updating the program’s name and cutting down the paperwork time, but the info they collect stays the same. This helps improve ocean safety, protect the environment, and boost the economy, with a small time commitment of about 75 hours per response.
2026-10318 — New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on June 8, 2026, to discuss fishing rules for Atlantic herring and river herring and shad for 2027-2031. Fishermen, environmental groups, and local communities will be affected by these decisions, which could change how much fish can be caught and help protect fish populations. The meeting is open to the public and will be held both in Portsmouth, NH, and online.
2026-10322 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The government is reviewing a special fishing permit request that would let certain boats fish in areas usually off-limits to protect habitats. This permit supports a project by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation to use clam dredges in the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could change how some fishing rules apply, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-10317 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of America Trophy Fishery for 2026
Starting May 21, 2026, the Gulf of America trophy fishery for big Atlantic bluefin tuna is closed for the rest of the year. This affects recreational anglers and charter boats with special permits, stopping them from catching or keeping these giant tunas. The closure helps protect the tuna population and follows international fishing rules.
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.