Search Results for keywords:"fishing regulations"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced the opening of the fishing season for sablefish with fixed gear under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program and the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. This season will run from March 20, 2025, to December 7, 2025, aligning with the Pacific halibut season, although the exact opening and closing hours differ. The actions are taken to promote conservation and management of fishery resources as per federal laws and regulations. This rule was issued quickly without public comment to ensure the simultaneous opening of the sablefish and halibut fisheries, which is essential for effective management and reducing bycatch.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the Atlantic southern zone for commercial Spanish mackerel fishing starting February 3, 2021, as the fishing quota is expected to be reached by then. This closure aims to protect the Spanish mackerel resources, and it will last until February 28, 2021. During this period, those with permits can still keep Spanish mackerel under recreational limits, but selling or purchasing these fish from the southern zone is prohibited unless they were already harvested and stored before the closure. The commercial fishing for Spanish mackerel will reopen on March 1, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a temporary final rule adjusting the annual commercial quotas for Atlantic sharks for 2025. These changes are based on shark underharvests from the 2024 fishing year, allowing additional fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen. The rule specifies that certain shark species, such as Gulf of America blacktip and smoothhound sharks, can have unharvested quotas carried over because they are not overfished. However, other shark groups like Hammerhead and Blacknose, which are either overfished or overfishing is occurring, won't have quota carryovers. The rule is effective from April 16, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), issued a correction to two temporary rules that were initially published in March 2025. These rules, which concern the recreational fishing closures for golden tilefish and gag in the South Atlantic, had errors in their subject headings. The corrections clarify exactly which fishing rules apply during the specified dates in the U.S. exclusive economic zone. This correction became effective on March 31, 2025.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on the information collection related to the Vessel Monitoring System requirement in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. This system tracks commercial fishing vessels to enforce fishing regulations and protect marine resources. Comments are invited to assess the necessity, accuracy, and potential burden of these requirements on the public. The feedback will help refine the process and potentially reduce the reporting burden for the public.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is considering an application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that would allow certain fishing boats to operate outside of the usual regulations. This permit aims to help small boats from Cape Cod catch and sell smaller quantities of Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs more safely and efficiently. The application involves using alternative containers for the catch, which could benefit local fishermen by improving market access and safety. The public can comment on this proposal until April 7, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing an application from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP). This permit would allow some fishing boats to catch herring outside regular fishing rules to help study the genetic makeup of Atlantic herring populations. The study aims to improve fishery management by updating catch limits based on newer scientific findings. The public can comment on this proposal until April 4, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is inviting public comments on a proposed information collection related to identifying vessels and gear in the Southeast Region. This is part of a regular collection review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The purpose of these markings is to aid in the enforcement of fishing regulations and to ensure that activities are carried out legally. The comment period is open until April 20, 2021, and aims to evaluate the necessity, accuracy, and potential burden of the information collection.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is seeking public comments on information collection related to scientific research and exemptions under fishing regulations, as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Interested parties have until March 10, 2025, to submit their comments, which will help NOAA assess and minimize the reporting burden. This request is an extension of an existing collection and involves submitting reports and requests for permits regarding scientific and educational activities that require temporary exemptions from regular fishing rules. Comments will assist in evaluating the necessity, feasibility, and impact of these collections.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is announcing a virtual stakeholder meeting about the management of North Pacific albacore (NPALB) on February 20, 2025. This meeting is to prepare for future discussions regarding the Management Strategy Evaluation for NPALB fisheries at international commission meetings in 2025. Interested participants need to register by February 13, 2025. The meeting will cover topics like fishing intensity, catch limits, and updates to logbooks, with more details to be provided in advance.