Guam Fishermen Get Boost: Bottomfish Catch Limit Raised Slightly
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to let Guam fishermen catch a bit more bottomfish by raising the yearly catch limit from 31,000 to 34,500 pounds. Instead of shutting down fishing right away if they go over, they'll check catches after the season and adjust limits if needed. This change helps protect fish while giving fishermen more flexibility, and comments are open until May 26, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
ACL raised to 34,500 lb
If you fish Guam bottomfish, the annual catch limit (ACL) would increase from 31,000 lb (14,061 kg) to 34,500 lb (15,649 kg), an increase of 3,500 lb (~11%). The rule says this higher ACL would still allow the stock to rebuild by 2031.
Small-fleet economic estimates and status
NMFS estimates about 63 fishermen participate in the Guam bottomfish fishery. Using historic sale rates (19.2%) and a 2021 price of $6.73/lb, NMFS estimates potential fleet-wide sales of about $44,580 and about $1,115 per vessel if the full proposed ACL of 34,500 lb is attained.
Post-season overage adjustment replaces closure
Instead of closing the fishery during the season if catches look like they will hit the ACL, NMFS would use a post-season rule: if the average catch from the most recent 3 years exceeds the ACL (34,500 lb), the ACL for the next year will be reduced by the amount of the overage. NMFS would publish a separate rulemaking to implement any overage adjustment.
Indefinite closure requirement removed
The rule would remove the higher performance standard that required NMFS to close the fishery in Federal waters indefinitely for any ACL overage. Management would revert to the Fishery Ecosystem Plan standard, which requires re-evaluating accountability measures if the ACL is exceeded twice in a 4-year period.
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Key Dates
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