Federal Register #2026-14551

Regulatory Adjustments for Pacific Halibut and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries in 2026

This notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under NOAA, announces regulatory adjustments for commercial fisheries in 2026. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), West Coast Region, under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Products/Regulatory Actions: - Pacific halibut (dressed weight) catch limit of 5,000 pounds per vessel for an additional fishing period in IPHC Area 2A - Additional fishing period set to help achieve the annual allocation of 261,211 pounds for the non-Tribal directed commercial fishery - Closure of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Harpoon category fishery for the remainder of 2026 - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs, vendors, or equipment manufacturers are involved; this is a regulatory action only - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with the specified catch limit per vessel during the additional Pacific halibut fishing period - Closure of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Harpoon category applies to all vessels targeting large medium and giant bluefin tuna - No procurement of goods or services is involved; the notice pertains solely to fishery management and regulatory adjustments

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces an inseason action for the 2026 Pacific halibut non-Tribal directed commercial fishery in the International Pacific Halibut Commission's regulatory Area 2A. This action adds a fishing period from July 21 through July 23, 2026, with a catch limit of 5,000 pounds per vessel, dressed weight. The purpose is to provide additional opportunity for the fleet to achieve the 2026 non-Tribal directed commercial fishery allocation. The action is a temporary rule and inseason adjustment effective from July 21 to July 23, 2026.

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