Federal Register #2026-05801

This proposed rule from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under NOAA and the Commerce Department, outlines regulatory changes for the management of Pacific halibut recreational fisheries in the West Coast states for 2026. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce - Scope and Purpose: - Proposes updates to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) for International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Area 2A (Washington, Oregon, California) - Establishes recreational fishery management measures for 2026 not covered by IPHC regulations - Key Management Measures: - Defines recreational fishing seasons and subarea allocations - Sets daily bag limits (one Pacific halibut of any size per person) - Specifies landing restrictions and potential allocation transfers between states - Allows for inseason management actions to adjust regulations as needed - Stakeholder Involvement: - Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are involved in proposing changes - Notable Requirements: - Adherence to allocation formulas and public comment procedures - Focus on conservation of Pacific halibut stocks and providing angler opportunities - No procurement of products or services is involved; this is a regulatory action affecting recreational fishing management.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to approve changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) for the International Pacific Halibut Commission's regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. Additionally, NMFS proposes management measures for the 2026 recreational fisheries in Area 2A that are not covered by IPHC regulations, including recreational fishery seasons and subarea allocations. These measures aim to conserve Pacific halibut populations while providing angler opportunities where available. Public comments on the proposed rule are requested by April 9, 2026.