Fishing for Clarity: Halibut Fee Rule Gets Fixed
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Rule
Summary
The National Marine Fisheries Service fixed a small but important mistake in their July 2025 rule about fees for the Pacific Halibut Recreational Quota Program. They added a missing definition for “Charter halibut permit holder” to make the rules clear and official. This correction kicks in on January 1, 2026, so folks involved in charter halibut fishing will see the updated rules soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Adds charter halibut definitions
NMFS corrected the July 7, 2025 rule to add missing definitions for “Charter halibut permit holder,” “Charter halibut stamp,” and “Charter halibut stamp validation” into 50 CFR 300.61. This correction becomes effective January 1, 2026 and makes the regulations match the Pacific Halibut Recreational Quota Entity Program Fee Collection rule.
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.
2026-10096 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Starting June 22, 2026, fishermen targeting Atlantic tunas, billfish, swordfish, and sharks can no longer keep mobulid rays if they catch them. Instead, they must release these rays carefully and unharmed, following new handling rules. This change helps protect mobulid rays and follows international agreements, with no big costs expected for fishers.
2026-10065 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Prohibited Species Donation Program
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) renewed permits for SeaShare, a nonprofit that donates Pacific salmon and halibut caught accidentally during Alaska groundfish fishing. This means SeaShare can keep distributing these fish to food banks and hunger relief groups from May 2026 through May 2029. Fishermen, nonprofits, and food banks benefit, with no new costs but a continued boost to fighting hunger using fish that would otherwise go unused.
2026-10106 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco got permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing in San Francisco Bay, which might bother some marine mammals nearby. This approval lasts for one year starting May 14, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. The project helps improve ferry service but must carefully protect local sea life during work.
2026-10101 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 18, 2026, catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their allowed catch limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20307 — Update of Public Works and Economic Adjustment Act Grant Rate Regulations
Starting November 19, 2025, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is updating its grant rules to match new laws passed in 2024. Now, EDA can offer bigger federal grants—up to 60% base funding, with chances to boost that even higher for special cases. This change helps communities get more money for public works and economic projects, making it easier to build and grow.
Next: 2025-20345 — Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program: Announcement of Fee To Cover Credit Subsidy Costs for FY 2026
Starting October 1, 2025, HUD is lowering the fee for borrowers using the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program from 0.82% to 0.58% to cover loan costs for Fiscal Year 2026. This means communities borrowing money to improve neighborhoods will pay less in fees, making it easier and cheaper to get help. If you’re planning to use this program next year, get ready for a friendlier fee!