The final rule by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) introduces adjustments to the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery management measures for 2025-2026. These changes include reducing the sub-bag limit for canary rockfish in Oregon's recreational long-leader fishery from five to one fish and adjusting the incidental halibut limit in the sablefish fishery. The aim is to manage fish stocks sustainably by allowing more vessels to participate without exceeding the catch limits. These modifications are based on recent scientific data and recommendations from relevant advisory bodies and were made effective immediately to ensure timely implementation.
Simple Explanation
The new rules help people fishing in certain areas catch more of the fish that are okay to catch, like groundfish, while making sure they don't catch too many of the fish that need extra protection, like canary rockfish. This way, the ocean stays healthy, and people can still go fishing.