Pacific Council Meeting to Finalize 2026 Halibut Catch Quotas Online
Published Date: 12/4/2025
Notice
Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding an online meeting on December 18, 2025, to finalize the 2026 Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual fishing rules. This affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities by setting how much halibut can be caught next year. They might also decide on other fishing rules that weren’t finished in November, helping keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Final 2026 Halibut Catch Plan
If you are a fisherman, run a seafood business, or are in a coastal community, the Pacific Council will take final action on the 2026 Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual regulations at an online meeting on December 18, 2025, starting at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. That action sets how much Pacific halibut can be caught in 2026 and therefore affects fishing opportunities and business planning for next year.
Possible Groundfish Inseason Actions
The Council may also decide groundfish inseason actions at the December 18, 2025 online meeting that were not finished at its November 2025 meeting. These inseason decisions could change fishing rules during the season and affect fishermen and seafood businesses.
Authority for Emergency Actions
The Council may take final action at the meeting on issues arising after publication if they require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified. That means sudden, post-publication problems could be addressed at the December 18, 2025 meeting through emergency measures.
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: 2025-21918 — Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture wants your thoughts on a new info collection about keeping data safe when using confidential info. This affects researchers and anyone handling sensitive data, aiming to make the process clearer and less of a hassle. You’ve got until January 5, 2026, to share your ideas—no extra costs, just your feedback to help improve security and ease.
Next: 2025-21920 — Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is holding a one-day meeting on December 11, 2025, to talk about improving how they share info and manage Gulf fishery resources. This affects fishermen, local communities, and anyone who loves Gulf seafood. They’ll review past projects, plan new communication ideas, and hear public feedback—no big money changes, but better ways to keep everyone in the loop!