Government Confirms Herring, Salmon, and Sardines Still Overfished
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The government has found that Atlantic herring, Klamath River Chinook salmon, and northern Pacific sardine populations are still overfished, meaning their numbers are too low. This affects fishermen and coastal communities who rely on these fish, and it means stricter rules will stay in place to help these fish bounce back. These changes are based on recent data and will guide fishing limits to protect these species starting now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Atlantic herring declared overfished
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) found that Atlantic herring continues to be overfished. This determination is based on a 2024 assessment using data through 2023 that found the spawning stock biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS says it will continue to work with the New England Fishery Management Council to rebuild the stock.
Klamath River Chinook still overfished
NMFS found the West Coast Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon stock continues to be overfished. This determination is based on a 2025 assessment using data from 2022–2024 that found the 3-year geometric mean escapement is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS will continue to work with the Pacific Fishery Management Council to rebuild this stock.
Northern Pacific sardine now overfished
NMFS determined the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine is overfished. This determination is based on a 2025 assessment using data through 2024 that found the age 1+ biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS will continue to work with the Pacific Fishery Management Council to rebuild this stock.
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: 2026-00427 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; ICE Clear Credit LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Relating to the ICC Collateral Risk Management Framework
ICE Clear Credit (ICC) is updating its rules on how it manages the risks tied to the collateral it holds, especially how it calculates safety buffers called haircuts. These changes help ICC better handle price swings in collateral assets without changing the main rules. This update affects anyone involved with ICC’s clearing services and aims to keep the system safer and smoother, with no immediate cost changes announced.
Next: 2026-00429 — Advisory Committee on Private International Law
The U.S. Department of State is bringing back the Advisory Committee on Private International Law to help tackle important global legal issues. This group will meet at least once a year, and their advice will shape how the U.S. works with international organizations and other countries. If you’re involved in international law or diplomacy, this committee’s work could impact you, but there’s no new cost or deadline right now.