Federal Register #2026-17645

Regulatory Adjustment for 2026 Pacific Halibut and Pacific Cod Fisheries

This regulatory action from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, affects Pacific halibut and Pacific cod fisheries for 2026. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), NOAA, Department of Commerce - Offices: West Coast Region and Alaska Region - Pacific Halibut Fishery Adjustment: - Additional fishing period established for non-Tribal directed commercial fishery in IPHC Area 2A - Fishing period: September 1–3, 2026 - Catch limit: 5,000 pounds (2.27 metric tons) per vessel, dressed weight - Applies to all vessel size classes - Pacific Cod Quota Reallocation: - Unused 2026 Pacific cod quota reallocated in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands - Allocation increased to 4,207 metric tons for catcher vessels under 60 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear - Directed fishing for these vessels opens September 1, 2026 - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement - No products or services are being procured; the notice adjusts fishing periods, quotas, and allocations - Notable requirements: - Strict catch limits per vessel - Specific vessel size and gear restrictions for Pacific cod allocation - Effective periods defined for both halibut and cod fisheries

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 September 1 through September 3, 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 rule is effective from September 1, 2026, at 8 a.m. PDT through September 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. PDT.

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