West Coast Whiting: New Rules for Fish and Fairness
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The 2026 Pacific whiting fishing rules are set to protect fish, support Tribal fishing rights, and allow some fish for research and accidental catch. This affects West Coast fishers, Tribal communities, and researchers, aiming to keep fishing sustainable and fair. Comments on these plans are open until March 23, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Tribal Whiting Share Set at 17.5%
NMFS proposes to set the 2026 Tribal Pacific whiting allocation at 17.5 percent of the U.S. total allowable catch (TAC). This allocation would be in effect through December 31, 2026; using recent TAC ranges, the Tribal share could be between 43,958 and 92,927 metric tons.
Unharvested Tribal Quota Can Be Reapportioned
If Tribes do not harvest their full Tribal allocation in 2026, NMFS can reapportion unharvested Tribal amounts to non-Tribal commercial fleets during the year. For example, in 2025 NMFS reapportioned 41,716 mt of Tribal quota back to non-Tribal sectors.
750 mt Set-Aside for Research and Bycatch
NMFS proposes to deduct 750 metric tons of Pacific whiting from the U.S. TAC in 2026 to accommodate scientific research catch and incidental mortality in non-groundfish fisheries. That 750 mt would be taken off the U.S. TAC before the remaining harvest guideline is allocated to commercial sectors.
NMFS Finds No Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities
NMFS analyzed the rule under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and concluded the proposed 2026 Tribal allocation and 750 mt set-aside would not have a significant economic impact on small entities. NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis and is requesting public comment on that analysis.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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