Federal Register #2026-17003

Regulatory Adjustment of Sablefish and Rockfish Trip Limits for Pacific Coast Groundfish Fisheries

This regulatory action from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) adjusts commercial groundfish fishery management measures for the Pacific Coast. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory rule, not a procurement. - Products/Services Requested: - Not applicable; the rule sets new trip limits for fish species, not products or services. - Key Adjustments: - Sablefish trip limits increased for both Limited Entry (LE) and Open Access (OA) sectors: - LE North of 36° N latitude: 7,000 lb/week, max 14,000 lb/2 months - LE South of 36° N latitude: 4,000 lb/week - OA North of 36° N latitude: 5,000 lb/week, max 10,000 lb/2 months - OA South of 36° N latitude: 3,200 lb/week, max 9,600 lb/2 months - Vermilion/Sunset Rockfish sub-trip limits reduced within the shelf rockfish complex south of 34°27' N latitude: - LE: 2,500 lb/2 months - OA: 750 lb/2 months - Unique Requirements: - Adjustments are based on updated fishery data to optimize harvests and protect overfished stocks - Applies to specific geographic areas and commercial fishing sectors - No procurement of goods or services; this is a management measure for fisheries.

Description

This final rule announces routine inseason adjustments to management measures in commercial groundfish fisheries. The adjustments include increasing sablefish trip limits in the limited entry and open access sectors north and south of 36° North latitude, and reducing vermilion/sunset rockfish sub-trip limits within the shelf rockfish complex in the limited entry and open access sectors south of 34°27' North latitude. The action aims to allow commercial fishing vessels to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks. These changes are based on updated fishery data and were recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in June 2026.

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