Pacific Council Meeting Targets Bycatch in Migratory Species Fisheries
Published Date: 10/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 22-23, 2026, to finalize plans for managing bycatch and economic impacts in highly migratory species fishing. This affects fishermen, businesses, and communities relying on these fisheries, aiming to balance fishing success with protecting ocean life. The Council will review recommendations in November, potentially shaping future fishing rules and economic outcomes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
EFP Bycatch and Economic Evaluation Recommendations
The Ad Hoc Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Innovation Workgroup will meet October 22–23, 2026 to develop final recommendations for evaluating exempted fishing permit (EFP) bycatch and economic performance as part of the HMS Roadmap. The FIW will provide a brief report and an EFP evaluation framework for consideration by the Pacific Council at its November 2026 meeting in Costa Mesa, California. The notice states this affects fishermen, businesses, and communities that rely on these fisheries.
Foreign National Security Clearance Requirement
Visitors who are foreign nationals must obtain additional security clearance to access the Southwest Fisheries Science Center and should contact Steve Stohs at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting date (October 22, 2026) to initiate the process. This requirement applies to any foreign national seeking in-person access to the Federal facility for the meeting.
REAL ID Requirement for Facility Entry
Starting January 1, 2026, Federal facilities (including the meeting location) will only accept REAL ID-compliant identification; visitors with state-issued identification must present a REAL ID or another acceptable government photo ID such as a passport, an Enhanced Driver's License, or a Federal employee/military/veteran ID. The notice also states that mobile driver's licenses are not authorized for acceptance at Department-occupied facilities.
Remote Attendance Broadcast Available
The meeting will be broadcast for remote attendance and specific remote access information will be posted on the Pacific Council's website; technical assistance is available from Mr. Hayden York (contact info provided). This allows people to participate without traveling to La Jolla, California for the October 22–23, 2026 meeting.
Accessibility Accommodations Deadline
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids must be directed to Mr. Hayden York at least 10 days prior to the meeting date (October 22, 2026). This provides a clear deadline for people who need accommodations to arrange them in time for the meeting.
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Key Dates
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The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Groundfish Team is meeting from October 26-30, 2026, both in person and online, to plan important fishing rules for the West Coast. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and ocean lovers should pay attention because these meetings shape how groundfish are managed, which can affect fishing limits and local economies. The public can join, comment, and stay informed about upcoming changes that might impact fishing seasons and catches.
Next: 2026-20500, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council-Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a Wreckfish Advisory Panel meeting from November 4-6, 2026, to plan smarter fishing rules and review the Wreckfish quota program. Fishermen, stakeholders, and anyone interested in wreckfish management will get a chance to weigh in, either in person or online. This meeting aims to create flexible, future-proof fishing strategies without immediate cost changes but with big impacts on how wreckfish are managed.