Council Meets to Set Sardine Catch Limits
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting from July 22-24, 2026, to decide new rules for managing Pacific sardine fishing along the U.S. coast. This affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities by setting how much sardine can be caught to keep the stock healthy. The meeting is in La Jolla, CA, and anyone can join to share their thoughts or learn about the changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Coastwide Sardine Catch Rules Reviewed
The Pacific Fishery Management Council will review reference points and harvest control rules for a coastwide Pacific sardine stock during its July 22–24, 2026 meeting in La Jolla, CA. This review is about setting how much sardine can be caught, which explicitly affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities.
Public Can Attend and Comment
The meeting in La Jolla is open to the public and will be held July 22–24, 2026; anyone can attend in person or find remote connection information on the Pacific Council website (www.pcouncil.org) to share comments or learn about the review. The meeting runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time each day or until business is completed.
In-Person Visitor ID Requirement
Visitors to the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center must obtain a visitor badge and present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification (examples listed include a REAL ID state ID, passport, enhanced driver's license, or federal/military/veteran ID) to enter the July 22–24, 2026 meeting. Visitor protocols and remote access instructions will be posted on the Pacific Council website.
Accessibility and Auxiliary Aid Requests
The meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities, and requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids must be directed to Hayden York at least 10 days before the meeting (phone: 503-820-2424).
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.
2026-13195 — 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.
2026-13166 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2026-2027 Fishing Year
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13190 — Hours of Service: Mainline Services, LLC; Application for Exemption
Mainline Services, LLC wants special permission to let their workers drive longer hours when fixing train wrecks or clearing tracks after unexpected accidents. This change helps keep trains running safely and on time, even if it means working past normal shifts. The public can share their thoughts by July 30, 2026, before the government decides if the exemption gets approved.
Next: 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.