🦪Framework Adjustment 39
NMFS proposes to approve and implement Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) that establishes specifications and other management measures for fishing years 2025 and 2026, including fishing effort allocation into access areas, modifying when areas open to optimize yield and minimize bycatch, and closures to protect juvenile scallops. Vessels with a limited access general category B permit may transit outside of the Northern Gulf of Maine with scallops onboard. Research set-aside program regulations are clarified. This action is necessary to prevent overfishing and improve resource yield-per-recruit and management of the fishery.
Learn More🎣Notice on South Atlantic Red Snapper SEDAR Pre-Data Workshop
The SEDAR 90 assessment process of South Atlantic Red Snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🎣Final Harvest Specifications for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish (2025-2026)
NMFS announces final 2025 and 2026 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the remainder of the 2025 and the start of the 2026 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Learn More🎣Final Harvest Specifications for Bering Sea Groundfish 2025-2026
NMFS announces the final 2025 and 2026 harvest specifications, apportionments, and prohibited species catch (PSC) allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the remainder of the 2025 and the start of the 2026 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the BSAI (FMP). The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the BSAI in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Learn More🎣Alaska Sablefish Fishing Regulations Under IFQ Program Open March 2025
NMFS is opening directed fishing for sablefish with fixed gear managed under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program and the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The season will open 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 20, 2025, and will close 1200 hours, A.l.t., December 7, 2025. This period is the same as the 2025 commercial halibut fishery opening dates adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), except the hours are not the same. The IFQ and CDQ halibut season dates are the same as specified by a separate publication in the Federal Register of annual management measures, which should be referenced for the halibut specific open and closure times.
Learn More🦈Notice of SEDAR 101 Data Workshop for Fisheries Management
The SEDAR 101 assessment process for HMS sandbar sharks will consist of a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Center for Independent Experts (CIE) desk review. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🎣NOAA Requests Comments on Fishery Data Collection Requirements
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Learn More🦈Public Meeting Notice for SEDAR 101 on Sandbar Sharks
The SEDAR 101 assessment process of HMS sandbar sharks will consist of a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop and a Center for Independent Experts (CIE) Desk Review. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🎣North Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Notice
The Center of Independent Experts (CIE) review of the Eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock stock assessment will be held in May.
Learn More🐟Pacific Fishery Management Council Announces Stock Assessment Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene three Stock Assessment Review (STAR) Panel meetings to review 2025 stock assessments for yellowtail rockfish in the area North of 40[deg]10' N, latitude, chilipepper rockfish, quillback rockfish off California, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, and sablefish. The meetings will be co-hosted by the NMFS Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers. STAR panel meetings are open to the public and being conducted in person with a web broadcast that provides the opportunity for remote listening and public comment.
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