West Coast Sets New Pacific Mackerel Catch Limits for 2025-2027
Published Date: 8/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting July 2025, new fishing limits for Pacific mackerel off the West Coast will help keep the fish population healthy. Fishermen will have specific catch limits for two years, with the fishery closing if they hit those limits to protect the species. These rules balance fishing opportunities and conservation, affecting anyone who catches or sells Pacific mackerel through mid-2027.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Two-Year Catch Limits and Closures
Starting July 1, 2025, Pacific mackerel annual catch targets (ACT) are set at 8,143 metric tons for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 and 9,448 metric tons for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. If the fishery reaches the ACT in either year, the directed Pacific mackerel fishery will close for that fishing year.
1,000‑mt Set‑Aside for Incidental Landings
For each fishing year the rule reserves a 1,000‑metric‑ton difference between the harvest guideline and the ACT as a set‑aside for incidental landings in other coastal pelagic species (CPS) fisheries and other sources of mortality. That 1,000 mt is held aside instead of being available to the directed Pacific mackerel fishery.
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.
2026-20268, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 16, 2026, to discuss important fishery rules that affect fishermen and communities in New England’s waters. They’ll review advice from experts about protecting fish species and plan meetings for next year. This meeting could lead to new fishing rules that impact how and when people fish, helping keep the ocean healthy and fishing sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-16227, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings for Nine Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is checking if six animals and one turtle’s home need extra protection because they might be in trouble. They’re starting detailed reviews and asking for info to decide if these species should be officially listed as endangered or threatened. Some species won’t be reviewed because there isn’t enough evidence, and final decisions will come within a year, affecting conservation efforts and possibly funding.
Next: 2025-16236, Establishment of Restricted Areas R-6319A&B in the Vicinity of South Padre Island, TX
The government is setting up two new restricted zones near South Padre Island, TX, so U.S. Customs and Border Protection can use a tethered balloon to watch over the area and keep us safe. This change mainly affects people who want to fly or sail nearby, as they'll need to avoid these zones. No big costs for the public, but it’s a smart move to boost security.