West Coast Sablefish Fishers Get New Gear Freedom
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting August 6, 2026, new rules give West Coast fixed gear fishers more freedom with their gear and fishing times, especially for sablefish. The rules also scrap some old permit limits and introduce a cost recovery program to help cover management costs. Fishers need to be ready to comply with some changes by December 1, 2027, which might affect their fishing plans and expenses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New gear flexibility for LE non-trawl permits
You (owners/operators of limited entry fixed-gear vessels) may use a single limited entry non-trawl permit to fish with any legal non-trawl groundfish gear except entangling nets (including set, gill, and trammel nets). This change takes effect August 6, 2026 and allows use of pots, bottom longline, vertical hook-and-line, and other non-trawl configurations to harvest LE sablefish tier limits and groundfish trip limits.
Registration blocked until cost recovery fees paid
The rule adds a requirement that a vessel may not be registered to any limited entry non-trawl permits with a sablefish endorsement until payment of all cost recovery program fees required under Sec. 660.231(c) has been made. The regulation establishing this registration condition is part of the final rule (Sec. 660.25(b)(4)(i)(H)).
Removal of base permit designation
The rule removes the regulatory requirement to designate a "base permit" for limited entry non-trawl permits. This change is intended to reduce administrative burden on permit holders and NMFS staff and is effective August 6, 2026.
Noon cutoff removed for sablefish season days
The rule removes the specified start and end times ("noon local time") for the LE non-trawl primary sablefish season while keeping the season dates April 1 through December 31. This change is effective August 6, 2026 and simplifies when you may lawfully fish on the start and end days of the season.
New cost recovery fees for sablefish tier fishery
If you make landings of sablefish in the LEFG primary (tier) program, the rule makes you (the vessel owner or authorized representative) responsible for paying fees to recover the actual management, data, and enforcement costs of that limited access privilege program. No fees are due immediately; NMFS will compile at least one full fiscal year of costs and will not require fee compliance until it issues the first fee announcement, and in no case before December 1, 2027.
New paperwork and reporting for cost recovery
The rule adds a cost recovery information collection under OMB Control Number 0648-0663, including one new payment form for the sablefish primary fishery. NMFS expects at most 164 additional respondents (likely closer to 100 due to permit stacking), with an estimated 1 hour per annual response, adding about 100 hours to the annual public reporting burden.
Observer departure notice extended to 48 hours
When your vessel will carry an observer, you must now notify NMFS of intended departure time and the gear type at least 48 hours in advance, replacing the prior 24-hour notification requirement. This change is part of the rule changes effective August 6, 2026.
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.
2026-18305, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; American Lobster-Annual Trap Transfer Program
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14753, Updates to Agents Designated To Accept Legal Process
The Office of Personnel Management updated the list of agents who accept legal papers for certain government agencies. They changed the address for the Interior Business Center and added new agents for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. These changes take effect immediately on July 22, 2026, with no extra costs involved.
Next: 2026-14794, Special Local Regulation; San Pedro Bay, CA
The Coast Guard is setting up special rules in San Pedro Bay to keep everyone safe during the San Pedro Olympic sailing races happening July 19-24 and August 3-8, 2026. Boats and people can’t enter the race areas during these times unless they get special permission. This helps protect racers, spectators, and the environment without costing anyone extra money.