West Coast Fishermen Test New Monofilament Rings for Swordfish
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Fishermen on the U.S. West Coast who catch swordfish and other fast fish might get to try new gear called monofilament rings to see if it works better. The government is thinking about approving this special permit and wants your thoughts by May 18, 2026. This could change how fishing gear rules work and might affect fishing costs or methods soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit to Test Monofilament Ring Tackle
If you fish for swordfish and other highly migratory species off the U.S. West Coast, an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application would let permitted vessels substitute monofilament rings for one of the three hooks per buoy and exempt them from the circle-hook requirement in 50 CFR 660.702 and 50 CFR 660.715(b)(3). NMFS is considering this test of “ring tackle” and the Council recommended NMFS approve the EFP; public comments are due by May 18, 2026.
Council Urges Broader EFP Flexibility
The Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended that NMFS approve the EFP and prioritize flexibility in terms and conditions to support continued participation in fishery innovations, including consideration of more vessels and a variety of gear configurations, provided effort limits are met. This could allow more West Coast permitted vessels to join tests of new gear types.
EFP Vessels Still Must Follow Wildlife Protections
If an EFP is issued, vessels operating under it would still be subject to all other regulations at 50 CFR part 660, subpart K and 50 CFR part 300, subpart C, including measures to protect sea turtles, marine mammals, sharks, and seabirds. NMFS will also analyze any EFP issuance under the National Environmental Policy Act and section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act before deciding.
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