New Catch Caps Set for Deep 7 Bottomfish in Hawaii
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 1, 2025, fishermen in the main Hawaiian Islands must stick to a new annual catch limit of 493,000 pounds for the Deep 7 bottomfish to keep the fishery healthy and sustainable. If they hit this limit, the fishery will close for the rest of the year, and the next year's limit will shrink if they go over. This rule kicks in on May 21, 2026, helping protect these important fish and the fishing community’s future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Closure and Next‑Year Cut if Limit Hit
If the Deep 7 ACL of 493,000 pounds is reached in a fishing year, the fishery will close for the rest of that fishing year. If the ACL is exceeded, the following year's ACL will be reduced according to the rule's accountability measures. Fishing years run September 1 to August 31.
493,000‑lb Annual Catch Limit Set
If you fish the Deep 7 bottomfish in the Main Hawaiian Islands, the annual catch limit (ACL) is set at 493,000 pounds for each fishing year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The fishing year runs September 1 through August 31, and this rule is effective May 21, 2026.
No Significant Economic Impact Certification
The agency certified that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, so a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis was not required during rulemaking.
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Key Dates
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