🎣NOAA's Data Collection for Fishing Industry Research in Pacific Coast
The Department of Commerce intends to collect information from the fishing community to support the expansion of fishery-independent groundfish research surveys. This initiative aims to close data gaps and improve stock assessments while involving industry stakeholders in the research process.
Learn More🐟New England Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Overview
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group via webinar to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Learn More🌊New Regulations for Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reviewing, for consistency with the Administration's policies and Executive Orders, the final rule that published on January 16, 2025 to designate Papah[amacr]naumoku[amacr]kea National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). The designation and regulations for PNMS became effective on March 3, 2025.
Learn More🐟Notice of Exempted Fishing Permit Application for Fisheries Regulations
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally-permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Inc., in partnership with Rutgers University. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFP.
Learn More🐟Summary of Endangered Species Permits and Renewals
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received nine scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, rockfish, and eulachon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https:/ /apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.
Learn More🎣Notice for Exempted Fishing Permits under Magnuson-Stevens Act
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF). Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Learn More🎣Temporary Fishing Restrictions on Pacific Cod in Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Learn More🐟Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meetings Announcement
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and its advisory bodies will meet April 9-15, 2025 in San Jose, CA and via webinar. The Pacific Council meeting will be live streamed with the opportunity to provide public comment remotely. The following groups will meet in person in San Jose: Budget Committee, Habitat Committee, Salmon Technical Team, Salmon Advisory Subpanel, Enforcement Consultants, Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel, and Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team. The Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet online Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2025.
Learn More🎣Public Hearings on Trawl Catch Share Program by Pacific Council
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene two public hearings regarding the trawl catch share program review.
Learn More🦪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