New Rules Reel in West Coast Groundfish Gear
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
This update affects fishermen with limited entry fixed gear permits on the West Coast by making their gear rules more flexible and removing old permit restrictions. It also tweaks how fishing spots are shared and hints at new cost rules coming soon. Comments are open until February 10, 2026, so fishers and folks can weigh in before changes swim into action!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow any legal non-trawl gear
If approved, amendment 36 would let limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) permit holders use any legal non-trawl groundfish gear to harvest their LE sablefish tier limits and groundfish trip limits, except entangling nets (including set nets, gillnets, and trammel nets). This change would apply to vessels fishing in the EEZ off Washington, Oregon, and California and is the Council’s final preferred alternative in the amendment.
Development of LEFG cost recovery program
The larger LEFG rulemaking also includes development of a cost recovery program for the LEFG primary fishery; that action does not require a plan amendment and will be considered in a forthcoming proposed rule. Amendment 36’s public comment deadline is February 10, 2026.
Remove base permit designation
Amendment 36 would remove the regulatory requirement to designate a base permit for LEFG permits; the Analysis says this designation is duplicative of the existing vessel length rule in 50 CFR 660.25(b)(3)(iii). NMFS and the Council found the base permit designation creates an unnecessary administrative burden on participants and agency staff.
Remove hours for primary season open dates
The larger LEFG rulemaking (separate from amendment 36) includes an action to remove the start and end times (hours of the day) for the open dates of the primary tier season. That action item does not require a plan amendment and will be addressed in a forthcoming proposed rule; public comment on amendment 36 is due by February 10, 2026.
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: 2025-22937 — Receipt of Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities-October 2025
The EPA just announced new requests to change rules about pesticide leftovers on foods like fruits and veggies. Farmers, food makers, and shoppers should know these changes could affect what’s allowed on their produce. You’ve got until January 15, 2026, to share your thoughts before any decisions are made—so don’t miss out!
Next: 2025-22963 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA in Schedule I
The DEA wants to make permanent the ban on four new synthetic drugs—4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA—by placing them in Schedule I. This means anyone making, selling, or using these drugs will face strict legal penalties. You’ve got until January 15, 2026, to share your thoughts before the rule becomes final.