Council to Streamline Testing of High-Tech Fishing Gear
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is meeting January 29-30, 2026, to improve how new fishing gear for highly migratory species is tested and approved. This affects fishermen and gear developers by setting clearer rules and performance checks, aiming to boost innovation while protecting fish populations. The group will finalize recommendations to guide future fishing permits and report back in March, helping keep the ocean’s big fish healthy and fishing smarter.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New rules for testing fishing gear
The Ad Hoc Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Innovation Workgroup will meet January 29–30, 2026 to finalize recommended metrics and benchmarks for evaluating exempted fishing permit (EFP) activities, finalize recommendations for EFP guidance, and develop recommended modifications to Pacific Council Operating Procedure 20. The group will produce a report for consideration at the March 2026 Pacific Council meeting that will guide future permits for testing new HMS (highly migratory species) gear.
Foreign visitors need security clearance
Visitors who are foreign nationals (people who are not U.S. citizens or nationals) will require additional security clearance to access the Southwest Fisheries Science Center for the January 29–30, 2026 meeting. Foreign national visitors should contact Kara Koehrn at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting date to initiate the security clearance process.
REAL ID required for federal facility entry
Starting January 1, 2026, federal facilities (including leased facilities) will only accept REAL ID-compliant identification for entry. Visitors with state-issued identification must present a REAL ID or another government-issued photo ID such as a passport, an Enhanced Driver's License, or a Federal employee, military, or veteran identification card; mobile driver's licenses are not authorized.
Request sign language 10 days ahead
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids for the January 29–30, 2026 meeting should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This allows the Council to arrange accommodations for attendees who need them.
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Key Dates
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