Salmon Comeback: Proposed Plan to Rebuild Queets River Chinook Stocks
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is rolling out a plan to help the Queets River spring/summer Chinook salmon bounce back from being overfished. This means fishing rules off the West Coast will change to protect these salmon until their numbers grow healthy again. Fishermen and coastal communities should get ready for new limits starting soon, with public comments open until March 23, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Closure North of Cape Falcon Was Rejected
The Council considered an alternative (Alternative II) to suspend all non-Tribal treaty ocean salmon fisheries in the EEZ north of Cape Falcon but did not recommend it. The Council concluded that such a suspension would cause considerable negative impacts to fishing communities while providing little to no improvement in rebuilding probability.
Clear Rebuilding Triggers and Status
The Salmon FMP sets SMSY for Queets sp/su Chinook at 700 and MSST at 350; a stock is rebuilt when the 3-year geometric mean spawning escapement equals or exceeds SMSY (700). The 2019-2021 3-year geometric mean was 314 (below MSST of 350), NMFS notified the Council on October 13, 2023, the overfished finding was published June 28, 2024, and on May 1, 2025 the status was changed to "not overfished-rebuilding."
Status-Quo Rebuilding Plan Adopted
NOAA proposes to approve and implement the Pacific Fishery Management Council's rebuilding plan for the Queets River spring/summer Chinook salmon. The Council recommended Alternative I (the status quo), so the plan will guide development of annual ocean salmon fishery management measures until the stock is determined rebuilt.
Small Vessels Not Expected to Lose Revenue
NMFS says this proposed rule would directly affect the west coast ocean salmon commercial troll fishery but would not change harvest policy. In 2024 there were 241 distinct commercial vessels landing salmon north of Cape Falcon with ex-vessel value of $6.1 million, and no vessel met NMFS' $11 million small business threshold.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-06484 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco wants permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing, which might accidentally disturb marine mammals in San Francisco Bay. The government is asking for public comments before deciding to allow this, with a chance to renew the permit for one more year if needed. Comments are due by May 4, 2026, so speak up if you care about the sea life or the project’s progress!
2026-06514 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Starting April 1, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure ensures the 2026 pollock catch limit isn’t exceeded, balancing fishing opportunities and conservation.
2026-06566 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
The government is shifting some pollock fishing quotas from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea because the Aleutian Islands won’t use all their share this year. This change helps fishermen in the Bering Sea catch more pollock without going over limits. It starts April 3, 2026, and runs through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair.
2026-06460 — South Atlantic Fishery Management Council-Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a meeting April 21-23, 2026, to talk about important changes to fishing rules for snapper, grouper, and other fish. Fishermen, businesses, and ocean lovers in the South Atlantic region will hear updates, suggest new rules, and review how fish stocks like black grouper and black sea bass are doing. This meeting could lead to new fishing seasons, permit changes, and better fish management that might affect fishing costs and opportunities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03228 — Maximum Line Speed Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS)
The USDA is proposing new rules that let swine slaughter plants set their own line speeds if they can keep things safe and under control. Inspectors can slow down the line if they spot problems, and plants won’t have to send yearly reports about worker conditions anymore. These changes aim to make swine processing faster without risking food safety, with public comments open until April 20, 2026.
Next: 2026-03306 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Revision of the Termination Date for Swordfish and Shark Limited Access Permits
If you hold a swordfish or shark fishing permit, good news! You’ll no longer lose your permit just because you missed renewing it within a year. This change lets you renew your permit anytime, giving you more flexibility without affecting fishing limits or costs.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in