Pacific Fishery Council Calls Public Meetings on Ocean Rules
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from March 11-14, 2026, to talk about fishing rules and ocean health in places like Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Mariana Islands. These meetings let local fishers and communities share ideas and help shape smart fishing plans that protect the ocean and support the fishing industry. You can join in person or online, so everyone has a chance to be heard without spending extra money on travel.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Discussions on Marine Monument fishing rules
Meeting agendas include recommendations on commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument and options for removing federal fishing prohibitions in Rose Atoll, the Marianas Trench, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments. These meetings (March 11–14, 2026) give commercial fishers and stakeholders a chance to discuss and recommend changes to fishing rules in those monuments.
Kona Crab catch limits on the agenda
The Hawaii Archipelago and PRIA Advisory Panel agenda includes the 2027–2030 Annual Catch Limit specification for the Main Hawaiian Islands Kona Crab fishery. This item is scheduled for discussion during the Council meetings on March 11–14, 2026.
Electronic and vessel monitoring updates
The FIAC agenda includes an update on electronic monitoring implementation and vessel monitoring plans during the March 12, 2026 meeting. Fishers and vessel operators can hear updates and provide feedback on monitoring and vessel tracking plans.
Hybrid meetings with public comment
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings March 11–14, 2026, in a hybrid format (in-person and Webex). You can join remotely and there will be public comment periods, so local fishers and community members can participate without traveling.
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.
2026-10003 — Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing five new plans to raise and release salmon in Washington’s Puyallup River, managed by the state and the Puyallup Tribe. They want your thoughts on these plans by June 18, 2026. These changes aim to protect salmon while supporting local hatchery programs, with no immediate costs to the public.
2026-09968 — Fisheries of the Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is hosting a public webinar on June 17, 2026, to review fish stock data for Caribbean fisheries. This meeting helps fishermen, scientists, and environmental groups work together to keep fish populations healthy and fishing sustainable. The process could lead to new fishing rules that protect the environment without hurting local jobs or the economy.
2026-09973 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2026 Specifications and Management Measures
Starting May 16, 2026, new rules will guide salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules set where, when, and how much salmon can be caught, balancing the needs of commercial fishers, recreational anglers, and Native American tribes. The changes aim to protect salmon for future seasons while making sure everyone gets a fair share until May 16, 2027.
2026-09884 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project on Interstate 5 between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project on I-5 between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, will run from September 2027 to September 2032. During construction, some marine mammals might be disturbed, but NOAA has set rules to keep impacts as low as possible. This plan includes monitoring and reporting to protect local wildlife while upgrading the bridge.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04398 — Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Actions
This report shares updates on water contracts managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, affecting farmers, cities, and businesses that rely on project water. It highlights new, ended, or ongoing contract changes that impact water delivery and payments, helping everyone stay in the loop about water use and costs. Expect updates on contract deadlines and money matters that keep water flowing smoothly through 2026.
Next: 2026-04400 — Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding several important meetings from March 17 to 26, 2026, to discuss and decide on fishery rules that affect fishermen, communities, and ocean health in the Western Pacific. You can join in person or online, and public comments are welcome by March 19. These meetings help shape how fish are managed, which can impact local jobs and the environment.