Halibut Rules Drop Just in Time for Summer Fishing
Published Date: 6/16/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 15, 2026, commercial Pacific halibut fishers south of Point Chehalis, WA, will follow new fishing schedules and catch limits to protect halibut populations while still letting fishers earn their keep. These rules help balance saving fish with keeping the fishing business buzzing along the West Coast. If you’re in the halibut game in Washington, Oregon, or California, these changes are your new fishing playbook for 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
2026 Directed Commercial Allocation Set
For the 2026 season, the non‑Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut allocation for Regulatory Area 2A is 261,211 pounds (118.5 metric tons) net weight. This is the total amount available to the directed commercial sector in Area 2A for 2026.
Short, Scheduled Fishing Windows
NMFS set two initial 58‑hour fishing periods: June 23, 2026 8:00 a.m. PDT through June 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. PDT, and July 7, 2026 8:00 a.m. PDT through July 9, 2026 6:00 p.m. PDT. If needed, a third 58‑hour period is planned for July 21–23, 2026, with additional periods every two weeks thereafter by inseason action.
Per‑Vessel Catch Limits by Size Class
For the initial fishing periods, NMFS set per‑vessel (fishing period) limits by vessel length: 1–35 ft = 2,000 lb; 36–45 ft = 3,400 lb; 46–55 ft = 4,300 lb; 56+ ft = 5,000 lb. Limits are in dressed weight (head‑on, with ice and slime), and vessel length is rounded up if between lengths.
Rule Effective Immediately to Avoid Delay
NMFS made this rule effective upon filing (effective June 15, 2026) and waived the normal 30‑day delay so the Area 2A directed commercial fishery can open on schedule (the first fishing period begins June 23, 2026). NMFS stated that delaying effectiveness would restrict fishing and could have substantial adverse economic impacts on participants.
Inseason Notices Sent by Email
NMFS will use email addresses obtained from 2026 Pacific halibut directed commercial fishery permit applications to notify permit holders of inseason actions (including added fishing periods or limit adjustments). Inseason actions take effect upon either receipt of the direct email or Federal Register publication, whichever occurs first.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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