Federal Register #NOAA-NMFS-2025-0537

NOAA Proposed Rule: Annual Catch Limits for Hawaii Deepwater Shrimp and Precious Coral Fisheries (2026-2028)

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory rule, not a procurement action, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Department of Commerce: - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Department of Commerce, NOAA, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office - Purpose and Scope: - Proposes annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for Hawaii's deepwater shrimp and precious coral fisheries - Applies to fishing years 2026-2028 for deepwater shrimp and 2025-2028 for precious coral - Designed to ensure long-term sustainability of these fisheries - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory action - Specific annual catch limits (in pounds) are set for: - Deepwater shrimp (250,773 lbs) - Auau Channel Black coral (5,512 lbs) - Makapuu Bed Pink and red coral (2,205 lbs) - Makapuu Bed Bamboo coral (551 lbs) - 180 Fathom Bank Pink and red coral (489 lbs) - 180 Fathom Bank Bamboo coral (123 lbs) - Brooks Bank Pink and red coral (979 lbs) - Brooks Bank Bamboo coral (245 lbs) - Kaena Point Bed Pink and red coral (148 lbs) - Kaena Point Bed Bamboo coral (37 lbs) - Keahole Bed Pink and red coral (148 lbs) - Keahole Bed Bamboo coral (37 lbs) - Hawaii Exploratory Area precious coral (2,205 lbs) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Accountability measures include post-season review and potential reduction of ACLs if overages occur - The rule codifies existing measures and does not introduce new procurement or product requirements - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is not a procurement opportunity

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to implement annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for the Hawaii deepwater shrimp and precious coral fisheries for each fishing year from 2026 to 2028. The proposed rule includes a post-season accountability measure to reduce the ACL for any stock that exceeds its limit based on the average catch of the most recent three years. The ACLs and AMs remain unchanged from past measures and aim to support the long-term sustainability of these fisheries. Public comments are requested by August 24, 2026.

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