New Permits Allow Eco Buoy Gear for West Coast Swordfish Fishing
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting February 1, 2026, fishermen off the West Coast can apply for special permits to use deep-set buoy gear, a new fishing method that helps catch swordfish while protecting other sea creatures. These permits are limited and part of a careful plan to keep fishing fair and sustainable. If you want in, don’t miss the March 31 deadline to apply and boost your fishing game!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit Applications Open Feb 1–Mar 31, 2026
You can apply for a limited entry deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) permit starting February 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026. Submit a complete application through the National Permits System by 11:59 p.m. Pacific daylight time on March 31, 2026 to be considered.
Annual Limit: 25 Permits Per Year Until 300
NMFS will issue up to 25 Tier 9 limited entry DSBG permits each year until a total of 300 permits are issued. Permits are issued first-come, first-served by application date/time; if more than 25 are approved in a year, approved applicants above 25 get priority the following year by their application timestamp.
DSBG Authorized to Boost Fishery Viability
Deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) is authorized as an additional commercial gear type under Amendment 6 to help improve the economic viability of the West Coast-based swordfish fishery while minimizing bycatch. Tier 9 implements the final phase of a phased-in limited entry permitting regime for DSBG in Federal waters off California and Oregon.
Application Rules, Eligibility, Documentation, Fees
To qualify for a Tier 9 LE DSBG permit you must be a “person” as defined in Sec. 660.702 and must not already own a LE DSBG permit individually or as a shareholder in a business that owns one. A complete application (initial issuance form, U.S. Coast Guard documentation or state vessel registration, and payment of required fees) must be submitted via the National Permits System by 11:59 p.m. Pacific daylight time on March 31, 2026; NMFS may require additional documents and will decline incomplete applications. Applicants who applied in prior years and have not received a permit do not need to resubmit.
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.
2026-19490, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is hosting a free online meeting on October 9, 2026, to share cool new maps showing where commercial fishing happens along the West Coast. This info helps plan for future ocean uses like energy and aquaculture without messing up fishing spots. Fishermen, ocean planners, and anyone interested can join to learn and ask questions—no costs or rules changes yet, just sharing smart data!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00355, Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology
The Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) will hold a public virtual meeting on February 11-12, 2026, to review NIST’s programs, budget, and priorities. This affects tech industries and anyone interested in U.S. innovation policies. The committee will share early recommendations for their 2025 annual report, with a chance for public input by February 3.
Next: 2026-00358, Privacy Act of 1974; Notice of a Modified System of Records
The General Services Administration (GSA) is updating its Pegasys financial records system to add new ways to share info with Congress and investigate data breaches. These changes affect anyone involved with GSA’s financial management, including key business areas like Federal Acquisition and Public Buildings. The updates take effect February 11, 2026, and GSA is open to comments until then—no extra costs involved, just smoother, clearer record handling!