Pacific Fishery Council Schedules Another Round of Public Meetings
Published Date: 11/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding several meetings from November 19 to December 4, 2026, to talk about fishing rules and ocean health in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and nearby islands. These meetings are open to the public both in person and online, giving everyone a chance to join and share their thoughts. Fishers, local communities, and ocean lovers should pay attention because these talks could lead to new fishing rules that affect how and when fishing happens.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Discussion on removing swordfish retention limit
The Council will discuss removing the swordfish retention limit in the Hawaii deep-set longline fishery at meetings on November 19 and November 20, 2026. The item appears on the Pelagic Plan Team agenda (Nov 19) and the Hawaii Archipelago FEP Advisory Panel agenda (Nov 20).
Revising Hawaii shallow-set sea turtle measures
The Council will consider revising the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery sea turtle measures (including draft alternatives and analyses) during the Pelagic Plan Team meeting on November 19, 2026 and at the Hawaii Archipelago FEP AP on November 20, 2026.
American Samoa catch limits and sea turtle measures
On December 1, 2026, the Council will discuss revising American Samoa bottomfish management unit species and specifying annual catch limits for 2027-2030, and will also discuss revising the American Samoa longline fishery sea turtle measures.
Experimental Fishing Permit for NWHI on agenda
The Council will discuss an Experimental Fishing Permit for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) at the Hawaii Archipelago FEP AP on November 20, 2026 and under socioeconomic considerations at the SSPC on December 4, 2026.
Updates on deep sea mining in the Marianas
The Mariana Archipelago FEP Guam AP (November 21, 2026) and the Mariana Archipelago FEP CNMI AP (December 2, 2026) include agenda items providing updates on deep sea mining in the Marianas.
Hybrid public meetings with comment periods
The Council will hold hybrid (in-person and Webex) public meetings with public comment periods from November 19 through December 4, 2026. In-person locations include Honolulu, Guam (Hagatña), American Samoa (Fagatogo Village), and Saipan; web connection instructions and oral comment procedures will be posted at www.wpcouncil.org and assistance is available at (808) 522-8220.
Disability accommodations available
The meetings are accessible to people with disabilities; requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids must be directed to Kitty M. Simonds at (808) 522-8220 (voice) or (808) 522-8226 (fax) at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.
IRA community projects: resilience and observer portal
Across multiple meetings between November 19 and December 4, 2026 the Council will discuss Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) community consultation projects including a Disaster Resilience Workshop, a Fisher Observation Portal, Hawaii IRA engagement, and a Hawaii Shark regulatory alignment and education workshop.
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.
2025-12513, Deep Seabed Mining: Revisions to Regulations for Exploration License and Commercial Recovery Permit Applications
NOAA is updating the rules for deep seabed mining licenses and permits to keep up with new technology and info since the 1980s. These changes affect companies wanting to explore or mine valuable minerals from the ocean floor beyond national borders. Comments on the proposed updates are open until September 5, 2025, so get ready to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-23065, Orleans International, Inc., Complainant v. Hapag Lloyd AG, Respondent; Notice of Filing of Second Amended Complaint
Orleans International is taking on Hapag Lloyd AG for charging unfair fees when Orleans couldn’t pick up or return containers on time due to reasons beyond their control. This updated complaint kicks off a legal showdown with deadlines for responses and decisions stretching into late 2027. If you’re in shipping or logistics, keep an eye on this case—it could shake up how demurrage fees are handled.
Next: 2026-23067, Hazardous Materials: Information Collection Activities
PHMSA is asking for your thoughts on renewing two important paperwork approvals related to transporting hazardous materials. If you handle or oversee hazardous shipments, this affects you! Comments are open until January 11, 2027, so jump in now to help shape the rules without any new fees or costs announced.