The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced routine changes to the management measures for commercial groundfish fishing off the Pacific Coast. This rule, effective March 6, 2025, aims to allow fishing vessels more access to abundant fish stocks while protecting those that are overfished. The NMFS increased the limits for certain rockfish species between specific latitudes in response to recommendations made at a Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting and industry requests. This change is expected to bring economic benefits without exceeding permitted catch limits, and it was implemented rapidly to maximize these benefits.
Simple Explanation
The government is allowing fishermen to catch more of certain types of fish off the Pacific Coast because there are plenty of them, but they are careful to protect the fish that are running low.