Federal Register #RTID 0648-XF466

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing annual management measures for the 2026 non-Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery in Regulatory Area 2A (off Washington, Oregon, and California): - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Scope of Action: - Establishes fishing periods and vessel catch limits for the 2026 season - Applies to non-Tribal directed commercial fishery in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A - Fishery Management Details: - Total allocation: 261,211 lb (118.5 mt) net weight - Vessel catch limits based on vessel length: - 2,000 lb for smallest class - Up to 5,000 lb for largest class - Multiple 3-day fishing periods; additional periods possible if allocation is not met - Purpose and Requirements: - Conserve Pacific halibut stocks - Ensure fair and equitable access for commercial fishers - Prevent overharvest - No OEMs, vendors, or procurement of products/services are involved; this is a regulatory management action.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing annual management measures for the 2026 non-Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery south of Point Chehalis, WA, in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. The proposed measures include specific fishing periods and vessel catch limits based on vessel size classes to conserve Pacific halibut and provide fishing opportunities. The fishing season is structured with multiple 3-day fishing periods starting in late June, with potential additional periods if the allocation is not met. The action aims to ensure fair and equitable access while preventing overharvest.