Federal Register #2026-21507

NOAA proposes Alaska groundfish fishing-season timing changes

NOAA is proposing regulatory changes to the timing of Alaska groundfish fishing seasons; this is not a procurement opportunity. - Government buyer and agencies: The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is proposing the changes. - Proposed changes: NMFS could set opening and closing times for sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) and Community Development Quota (CDQ) seasons while considering the halibut IFQ/CDQ season set by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). NMFS could also select a different time of day for certain in-season groundfish fishery closures. - Purpose: The proposed timing changes are intended to reduce regulatory discards and uncertainty, improve harvest utilization, and support more precise management of allowable catch. - Procurement scope: No products, services, quantities, part numbers, OEMs, or vendors are requested. The notice seeks public comments on a proposed rule.

Description

NMFS proposes technical revisions to regulations governing the opening and closing times of groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. The proposal would authorize NMFS to set sablefish IFQ/CDQ season opening and closing times while taking into account the halibut IFQ/CDQ season set by the IPHC, and allow NMFS to specify a different time of day for certain groundfish fishery closures. The changes are intended to minimize regulatory discards, reduce uncertainty for fishery participants, and improve harvest utilization and management precision. Comments are due November 20, 2026.

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