Pacific Fish Frenzy: Council Meetings Shape Ocean Rules June 2-11
Published Date: 5/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding a series of important meetings from June 2 to June 11, 2026, to discuss and decide on fishing rules and plans that affect fishermen, local communities, and ocean health in the Western Pacific. These meetings will be both in-person and online, making it easy for everyone to join and share their thoughts before the June 4 deadline. The decisions could impact fishing practices and budgets in the region.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Final Actions Could Become New Fishing Rules
The Council says agenda items labeled "Final Action" may lead to transmittal of a proposed fishery management plan, plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under Sections 304 or 305 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These proposed regulatory steps could change fishing rules and affect fishermen and local fishing budgets after the Council meetings held June 2–11, 2026.
Final Action on MHI Kona Crab ACLs
The Council will take Final Action on the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Kona Crab annual catch limit (ACL) specifications for 2027–2030 during the June 9–11, 2026 meetings. Written public comments on final action items must be received by 5 p.m. HST on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Electronic Monitoring Implementation Updates
The Council will discuss electronic monitoring implementation during the June 3 and June 10, 2026 meeting sessions, and will provide updates in FIAC and Council agenda items. These discussions could influence monitoring practices used in regional fisheries.
Deep Sea Mining and Regional Resource Updates
Multiple agenda items across the FIAC, Archipelago AP, REAC, and 207th Council meeting include updates on deep sea mining activity and related issues during the June 4–11, 2026 meetings. These discussions may affect local fishing communities and resource management in the Western Pacific region.
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Key Dates
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