Fish Folks Meet in the Pacific
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding important meetings from September 8 to 17, 2026, to discuss and decide on fishing rules in the Western Pacific. These meetings affect fishermen, local communities, and businesses by shaping how fish are managed and protected. Public comments are welcome by September 10, and the meetings will be both in-person and online, making it easy to join and stay informed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Council May Propose New Fishing Rules
If you fish or run a fishing business in the Western Pacific (Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands), the Council may transmit proposed fishery management plans, plan amendments, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under Sections 304 or 305 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These possible transmittals arise from "Final Action" agenda items discussed during the Council meetings between September 8 and September 17, 2026; written public comments on final action items are due to the Council office by 5 p.m. HST on September 10, 2026.
American Samoa Large-Vessel Zone Change
The Council will consider final action on options to amend the Large Vessel Prohibited Area in American Samoa at the 208th Council meeting running September 15–17, 2026. If you operate or rely on vessel access in American Samoa, this final action could lead to proposed regulatory changes affecting large-vessel operations.
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Rulemaking Start
The Council will take initial action on options to amend fishing regulations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at the 208th Council meeting (September 15–17, 2026). If you fish or run a fishing business that uses Northwestern Hawaiian Islands waters, this initial action could begin a rulemaking process that may change fishing rules for that area.
American Samoa Catch Limits (2027–2030) Talk
The Council will consider initial action on American Samoa Bottomfish Management Unit Species annual catch limit specifications for 2027–2030 during the 208th Council meeting (September 15–17, 2026). If you fish bottomfish in American Samoa, these specifications pertain to the 2027 through 2030 management period and could affect permitted catch levels.
SSC Will Set American Samoa Catch Advice
At the 161st Scientific and Statistical Committee meeting (September 8–10, 2026), the SSC will address the Acceptable Biological Catch for American Samoa bottomfish for 2027–2030 as an action item. This SSC advice informs council decisionmaking that can affect allowable catches for the 2027–2030 period.
Longline Rules and Swordfish Retention Changes
Under the Council's "Seafood Executive Order Priority Actions for Reducing Burdens on Domestic Fishing," the agenda includes options to revise sea turtle measures for the Hawaii shallow-set and American Samoa longline fisheries and to remove the swordfish retention limit in the Hawaii deep-set longline fishery. These topics are on the Council agenda for the 208th meeting (September 15–17, 2026) and are framed as priority actions to reduce burdens on domestic fishing.
Restoring Fishing in Pacific Monument Waters
The Council agenda includes updates and next steps on restoring commercial fishing in Pacific Marine National Monument waters, including management steps for the Islands Unit of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and discussion of Proclamation 11035. These topics appear across the SSC (Sept 8–10) and Council (Sept 15–17) agendas and concern management of areas affecting people in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17246, Combined Notice of Filings #1
Next: 2026-17248, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from September 16-21, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, and online. These meetings affect fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal communities by discussing fishery rules, budgets, and habitat protection. You can join live, comment remotely, and stay updated on important fishery decisions that might impact fishing seasons and local economies.