Federal Register #2026-13666

NOAA Implements New Conservation Measures and Vessel Assessment for Pacific Tuna Fisheries

This opportunity concerns the implementation of new conservation and management measures for tropical tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, led by the Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under NOAA. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), West Coast Region - OEMs and Organizations Mentioned: - Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Products/Services Requested: - One-time assessed contribution fee for class size 4-6 purse seine vessels - $6.16 per cubic meter of well capacity - Applies to 18 large U.S. purse seine vessels - Total estimated fee: approximately $185,447 - Supports the IATTC Regional Tuna Tagging Program - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Reduction of purse seine closure days from 72 to 64, increasing fishing opportunities - Maintains catch limits for bigeye tuna (750 metric tons for longline vessels over 24 meters) - New reporting requirements for fish aggregating device (FAD) activity - Mandatory safe handling tools and protocols for sea turtles - Detailed recording of sea turtle interactions - Compliance with international resolutions (IATTC C2501, C2507, C1904) - No specific equipment or physical products are being procured; the focus is on regulatory compliance, operational changes, and a one-time financial contribution.

Description

This final rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Department of Commerce implements regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to enforce resolutions adopted at the 103rd Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission in September 2025. The rule applies to fishing vessels targeting tropical tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean and aims to conserve and manage tropical tuna stocks. Key measures include reducing purse seine closure days from 72 to 64 to increase fishing opportunities, implementing catch limits, and requiring vessel assessments to support tuna tagging programs. The rule is effective July 7, 2026.

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