Sardine Fishers Seek Permit to Break Their Own Rules
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The California Wetfish Producers Association wants special permission to keep fishing Pacific sardines during 2026-2027, even though it might normally be banned. This is to help with important scientific research and to reduce waste by allowing some sales to cover costs. People have until July 15, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Limited Sardine Fishing Allowed for Research
NMFS may allow up to 7 participating vessels to harvest up to 520 metric tons (mt) of Pacific sardine during the 2026-2027 fishing year for industry-based scientific research. Landings would be sampled by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the remainder could be sold to help cover research costs and avoid discards.
EFP Catch Counts Against 2,200 mt ACL
The sardine catch under the proposed EFP (up to 520 mt) would be counted against the proposed annual catch limit of 2,200 mt for the 2026-2027 fishing year. If NMFS approves the EFP, that 520 mt would not be available for other permissible uses (for example, live bait or minor directed harvest).
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