Fishery Fix Adds Sablefish Limits Off West Coast
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Rule
Summary
Fishermen off the West Coast, especially those catching sablefish, get a quick fix! NMFS corrected a recent rule to include missing trip limits for sablefish between 40°10' and 36° N latitude. This update, effective September 29, 2026, ensures fair fishing limits and smooth sailing for commercial fishers through 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher limited-entry sablefish trip limit
If you fish commercially for sablefish under the limited entry (LE) fishery between 40°10' N latitude and 36° N latitude, your trip limit has been corrected to 7,000 lb per week not to exceed 14,000 lb per 2 months. This correction, effective September 29, 2026, replaces the previously (and incorrectly) listed 5,500 lb/week not to exceed 11,000 lb/2 months.
Higher open-access sablefish trip limit
If you fish commercially for sablefish in the open access (OA) sector between 40°10' N latitude and 36° N latitude, your trip limit has been corrected to 5,000 lb per week not to exceed 10,000 lb per 2 months. This correction, effective September 29, 2026, replaces the previously (and incorrectly) listed 4,000 lb/week not to exceed 8,000 lb/2 months.
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.
2026-19894, Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is hosting a public meeting on October 14, 2026, to discuss important fishing rules like hook limits and crew sizes for commercial boats. This meeting affects fishermen and enforcement agencies in Gulf states, aiming to keep fishing fair and safe. No direct costs are mentioned, but the decisions could impact fishing operations and enforcement efforts.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19896, Special Local Regulation; Kailua Bay, Ironman World Championship, Kailua-Kona, HI
Heads up, boaters! On October 4 and 10, 2026, Kailua Bay in Hawaii will have special rules during the Ironman World Championship swim events to keep everyone safe. From early morning until late morning, boats must follow Coast Guard instructions or stay clear of the swim course. This means some water areas will be off-limits, so plan ahead to avoid delays or fines.
Next: 2026-19929, Recodification of Title IX Rules
The Department of Education is officially scrapping the 2024 Title IX rule because courts said it can’t be enforced. They’re putting the old rules back in place so schools, students, and parents know exactly what to expect. This change takes effect on September 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra—it just clears up confusion!