West Coast Sets 2026 Whiting Catch Limits and Tribal Shares
Published Date: 5/11/2026
Rule
Summary
The 2026 Pacific whiting fishing rules are set for Washington, Oregon, and California, including how much fish can be caught and how it's shared with Tribal groups. These changes help protect fish populations, support Tribal treaty rights, and allow some fish for research. The new rules start May 11, 2026, affecting fishermen and Tribal communities with no major cost changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
2026 Pacific Whiting Catch Limits Set
The rule sets the 2026 coastwide adjusted total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific whiting at 380,000 metric tons (mt) and an adjusted U.S. TAC of 280,744 mt. These TAC numbers establish the total amount of whiting available to U.S. and Canadian fisheries for the 2026 fishing year.
Tribal Allocation of 17.5% (49,130.20 mt)
NMFS sets the 2026 Tribal allocation of Pacific whiting at 17.5 percent of the adjusted U.S. TAC, equal to 49,130.20 metric tons (mt). The Tribal allocation is subtracted off the top of the U.S. TAC and is effective through December 31, 2026.
Non-Tribal Harvest Guideline and Sector Quotas
After subtracting the 49,130.20 mt Tribal allocation and a 750 mt set-aside, the 2026 non-Tribal Harvest Guideline (HG) is 230,863.80 mt. That HG is allocated to three sectors: Catcher/Processor (C/P) Co-op Program 34% (78,493.69 mt), Mothership (MS) Co-op Program 24% (55,407.31 mt), and Shorebased IFQ Program 42% (96,962.80 mt). Additionally, the non-Tribal fishery south of 42° N latitude may not take more than 4,848.14 mt prior to May 1, 2026.
750 mt Set-Aside for Research and Incidental Catch
NMFS implements a fixed 750 metric ton (mt) set-aside in 2026 to cover anticipated Pacific whiting mortality from research activities and incidental catch in non-groundfish fisheries. This 750 mt set-aside is deducted from the U.S. TAC before allocating the non-Tribal HG.
No New Compliance Costs; Immediate Effect
NMFS states there are no new recordkeeping, reporting, or major compliance costs associated with this rule for the 2026 whiting season. The rule is effective May 11, 2026 (waiving the 30-day delayed effective date) to allow the commercial sectors to operate under the final allocations for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-13267 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2026 South Atlantic Red Snapper Commercial Fishing Season
Starting July 13, 2026, commercial fishers in the South Atlantic can catch red snapper until January 1, 2027, or until the catch limit of about 103,000 pounds is hit. This rule helps fishers know exactly when they can fish and keeps the red snapper population healthy. If the limit is reached early, the season will close sooner to protect the fish.
2026-13195 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on July 22, 2026, to review and possibly update fishing limits for Atlantic chub mackerel and butterfish. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and ocean lovers should pay attention because these changes could affect how much fish can be caught from 2027 to 2029. This meeting helps keep fishing fair and sustainable while protecting the ocean’s future.
2026-13153 — Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 25 (Revised)
Starting June 30, 2026, new rules update how Atlantic cod stocks are managed in the Northeast multispecies fishery. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting fresh limits and protections to stop overfishing and help cod populations bounce back. The goal? Keep fishing fun and sustainable while supporting a $40 million industry.
2026-13196 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Councils are teaming up to figure out how to share the blueline tilefish catch limits north of Cape Hatteras. They’ll meet online in July 2026 to review data and suggest fair fishing quotas, which could affect fishermen and seafood businesses in both regions. This plan aims to keep fish populations healthy while balancing who gets to catch what.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09290 — Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs
Starting June 10, 2026, transportation workers who need drug tests will sometimes give urine samples under direct watch if spit tests aren’t available yet. This update also changes some words to match new government rules about gender. If you work in safety-sensitive transportation jobs, get ready for these changes—no big cost changes, just clearer and fairer testing rules.
Next: 2026-09327 — Official Seal
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is rolling out a fresh new official seal featuring a bold navy background, a white eagle, and gold symbols of justice and peace. This update affects the Commission’s official look starting May 11, 2026, but won’t cost or change anything for the public. It’s all about giving the agency a sharp, modern identity!