West Coast Fishermen Weigh In on 2026 Salmon Catch Limits
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is gearing up to set the rules for the 2026 salmon fishing season along the U.S. West Coast. Fishermen, local communities, and anyone interested can share their thoughts by April 6-8, 2026, to help shape these important fishing regulations. This process affects how much fish can be caught and helps protect ocean life while supporting coastal economies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
2026 West Coast Salmon Rules Set Dates
If you fish commercially on the U.S. West Coast, the Pacific Fishery Management Council is developing rules for the 2026 ocean salmon season that will apply from May 16, 2026 through May 15, 2027 and may change how much salmon can be caught. The Council will adopt alternatives at its March 4-9, 2026 meeting (Sacramento, CA), post "Preseason Report II" on March 26, 2026, hold public hearings on March 23-24, 2026, and will accept written comments by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on April 6, 2026 to be considered in its final recommendation to NMFS.
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.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03058, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new filings from electric companies asking to make changes in ownership and rates. This affects lots of solar, storage, and power companies, with decisions and comments due by early March. These moves could impact how much you pay for electricity and how power companies operate soon.
Next: 2026-03060, Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From Canada and India: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations
The U.S. is starting investigations into whether Canada and India unfairly help their companies sell citric acid and citrate salts cheaper in the U.S. This could lead to extra taxes on these imports to protect American producers. The process kicked off on February 10, 2026, and could impact prices and trade soon.