Bering Sea Flatfish Quota Swap Lets Fishermen Chase Rock Sole
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 1, 2026, through the end of the year, the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation can swap some unused yellowfin and flathead sole fishing quotas for more rock sole quota in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This trade helps them catch more rock sole without going over limits, making the most of their fishing opportunities. Fishermen in the CDQ program will benefit from this smart quota shuffle with no extra costs or risks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CDQ gains 900 mt rock sole quota
From October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) exchanged 200 mt of flathead sole TAC and 700 mt of yellowfin sole TAC allocated to the Community Development Quota (CDQ) sector to receive 900 metric tons (mt) of rock sole CDQ acceptable biological catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. CDQ fishermen can use the extra 900 mt of rock sole quota to catch more rock sole without exceeding harvest limits. NMFS approved the exchange and stated it creates no extra costs or risks to the CDQ fishery.
Flathead and yellowfin TACs reduced for CDQ
From October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, the CDQ sector's total allowable catch (TAC) for flathead sole is reduced by 200 metric tons and the TAC for yellowfin sole is reduced by 700 metric tons to fund the 900 mt rock sole CDQ ABC reserve increase. CDQ fishermen who target flathead or yellowfin sole will have those specific amounts of quota removed from their sector allocations during this period.
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.
2026-20125, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
SeaShare, Inc. and Glacier Fish Co. want a special permit to keep and donate some Pacific halibut caught off Alaska instead of throwing it away. This permit would run from May 2027 to December 2028 and aims to help feed people while protecting fish populations. Fishermen, conservationists, and hunger relief groups should pay attention and can comment by mid-October 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20140, Pacific Island Fisheries; Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measures for Mariana Bottomfish Management Unit Species in the Guam Management Subarea
Starting November 2, 2026, fishermen in Guam can catch more Mariana bottomfish—up from 31,000 to 34,500 pounds each year! Instead of shutting down the fishery right away if they go over, there’s now a smarter system that checks catches after the season and adjusts limits if needed. This change helps keep the fish healthy while giving fishermen a fairer chance to work and earn.
Next: 2026-20178, Unleashing American Energy and Economic Prosperity; Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is shaking things up! Now, only projects that are already built and running can apply, using real energy data from the past year. This new way speeds up applications, cuts red tape, and focuses on rewarding projects that prove they save energy and money, starting October 2026.