Hawaii Fishermen Face New Deep-Sea Bottomfish Catch Caps
Published Date: 9/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting September 2024, fishermen in the main Hawaiian Islands will follow new yearly catch limits for Deep 7 bottomfish to keep the fish population healthy. These limits will stay in place through 2027, helping protect the fish without changing current rules on what happens if limits are exceeded. This plan supports sustainable fishing while keeping the fun and tradition alive for local fishers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Annual Catch Limits Set for MHI
Starting with the fishing year beginning September 1, 2024, fishermen in the Main Hawaiian Islands must follow new annual catch limits (ACLs) for Deep 7 bottomfish for the fishing years 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027. These ACLs are intended to guide how much Deep 7 bottomfish can be taken each fishing year (each year runs September 1 through August 31).
Fishing Year Dates Confirmed
The rule states the fishing year for the Deep 7 bottomfish fishery begins on September 1 and ends on August 31 of the following year. That date range defines when annual catch limits and management actions apply each year.
Accountability Measures Left Unchanged
The proposed rule does not revise, add, or remove the current accountability measures (AMs) that apply when catch limits are exceeded. Existing AMs will remain in place alongside the new annual catch limits.
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.
2026-13684 — Pribilof Islands Administration; Dogs Prohibited
Starting August 6, 2026, specially trained rodent detection dogs will be allowed on the Pribilof Islands to help stop invasive rodents from harming local wildlife and communities. This change affects anyone bringing vessels or cargo to the islands, supporting efforts to protect native animals and food security. Public comments are open until the same date, with no new costs expected.
2026-13682 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62
Fishermen and fish lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! Amendment 62 changes how much red grouper can be caught and who gets to catch it, based on the latest science. Plus, the usual February-March fishing break for shallow-water grouper is gone, so you can fish year-round. Comments on these changes are open until August 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-13666 — International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2026 and Beyond
Starting July 7, 2026, new rules will help protect tropical tunas like bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These changes affect fishing boats and aim to keep tuna populations healthy while also protecting sea turtles. The U.S. is stepping up to meet international agreements, balancing fishing with conservation without big cost surprises.
2026-13625 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Wage Mariner Hiring Portal
NOAA is renewing its online Wage Mariner Hiring Portal, which helps people apply for mariner jobs on government ships. About 1,000 applicants fill out info like licenses, work history, and education, taking about an hour each. This extension keeps the portal running smoothly with no new costs or big changes, and the public can comment for 30 more days.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-16933 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Five Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided that five species—the Jackson Prairie crayfish, Ozark shiner, speckled burrowing crayfish, spiny scale crayfish, and spotted turtle—don’t need to be listed as endangered or threatened right now. This means no new protections or costs will happen for these animals at this time. But the public can still share new info anytime to help keep an eye on their status.
Next: 2025-16974 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; CCR Management Unit Deadline Extension Rule; Reopening of Comment Period and Public Hearing
The EPA is giving power plants more time to manage their coal waste safely by extending deadlines and reopening the comment period until September 15, 2025. This means electric utilities can share their thoughts and prepare better, helping protect the environment without rushing. If you’re involved in coal waste disposal, this extension could save time and money while keeping things on track.