Pacific Fishery Council Schedules Standard Public Meetings
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings June 10-15, 2026, in Spokane, Washington, and online. These meetings affect fishermen, fishery managers, and anyone interested in ocean life, focusing on fish rules, budgets, and science updates. You can join live, comment remotely, and stay tuned for decisions that might impact fishing seasons and budgets.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Possible 2027-28 Harvest Rule Changes
The Council will consider final actions on 2027-28 harvest specifications and management measures during the June 12–15, 2026 meeting. Final actions may be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under Sections 304 or 305 of the Magnuson‑Stevens Act and could affect fishing seasons, harvest limits, and exempted fishing permits for 2027-28.
Trawl Gear and Declaration Rulemaking
The Council agenda includes moving a trawl gear Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) into regulations, updating declaration requirements, and removing duplicative recreational regulations. These regulatory actions discussed during the June 10–15, 2026 meetings could change compliance rules for permit holders and recreational fishing operations.
Council Budget and Fiscal Planning
The Council will address fiscal matters and hold a Budget Committee meeting during June 10–15, 2026, and briefing materials will be posted no later than May 26, 2026. Decisions on budgets and workload alignment may affect management resources and how fishery programs are funded or prioritized.
Remote Public Comment and Live Streaming
The Pacific Council meeting June 12–15, 2026 will be live streamed and will allow remote oral public comment prior to Council action on each agenda item. Broadcasts begin at 9 a.m. PT on June 12 and 8 a.m. PT June 13–15, 2026, and only audio and on-screen presentations will be available for listening.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2026-20435, Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62
Starting October 2, 2026, new rules change how much red grouper fishermen in the Gulf of America can catch and how the catch is shared. Plus, the winter break for catching shallow-water grouper is gone, so anglers get more fishing days. These updates help keep fish healthy while giving fishermen and fish lovers better chances to enjoy the Gulf’s reef fishery.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10210, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Foreign Availability Procedures
The Department of Commerce is asking for approval to keep collecting info about foreign availability of certain tech products. This helps decide if U.S. export rules should stay or change, affecting businesses that export high-tech items. They’re giving the public 30 more days to share thoughts, and the process involves about 510 hours of work from just two businesses, but it’s voluntary and helps keep U.S. tech competitive and secure.
Next: 2026-10212, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Savings and Loan Holding Company
Some folks want to buy shares in a savings and loan holding company, which means they could control a local bank. The Federal Reserve is checking these requests and wants your thoughts by June 5, 2026. If you care about who runs your bank, now’s the time to speak up!