The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have issued a final rule establishing the 2025 annual management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries. These regulations, recommended by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and accepted by the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce, set catch limits to conserve halibut populations. The measures detail specific rules regarding catch sharing, fishing periods, and limits across various areas, with a focus on maintaining sustainability and aligning with international conservation efforts. Additionally, there are distinct regulations for commercial, charter, and recreational halibut fisheries meant to ensure fair distribution and prevent overfishing.
Simple Explanation
In 2025, a new rule was made to help keep a type of fish called "Pacific halibut" safe from being caught too much. This rule tells fishermen how much fish they can catch and makes sure everyone plays fair so that there are enough fish for the future.