Hawaii Gets New Shrimp and Coral Catch Limits
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting in 2026, Hawaii’s deepwater shrimp and precious coral fisheries will follow set catch limits to keep these ocean treasures safe and thriving through 2028. If fishermen catch too much over three years, the allowed catch will be lowered the next year to protect the species. This plan helps fishermen and the environment stay in balance without changing current rules, and public comments are open until August 24, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Set ACLs for Hawaii shrimp and coral
You (Hawaii fishermen) will be subject to annual catch limits (ACLs) during the specified fishing years: deepwater shrimp ACL = 250,773 lb (113,749 kg) for 2026, 2027, and 2028; precious coral ACLs are listed per area (for example, Auau Channel black coral = 5,512 lb; Makapuu Bed pink/red coral = 2,205 lb) for fishing years 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28. The proposed ACLs are unchanged from ACLs first implemented in 2012.
Post-season ACL reductions for overages
If the 3‑year average catch for any stock exceeds its ACL, NMFS will reduce that ACL in the next fishing year by the amount of the overage (via separate rulemaking). If an ACL is exceeded more than once in a 4‑year period, the Council and NMFS will take action to correct the operational issue.
State and Federal catch both count toward ACLs
All catch of Hawaii deepwater shrimp and precious coral in State and Federal waters will count toward the ACLs, including catch by anyone required to report to State or Federal agencies. The agency notes the action would likely apply to five or fewer individuals across Hawaii.
Small-entity finding and revenue context
NMFS determined all affected entities qualify as small businesses (commercial fishing size standard: receipts ≤ $11 million). Recent deepwater shrimp average landings were 19,287 lb (2022–2023) with an average price of $14.54/lb, giving an approximate annual commercial value of $280,433 and average revenue per three vessels of about $93,478. NMFS states the proposed action would not have significant economic impacts on a substantial number of small entities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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