Search Results for keywords:"NOAA regulations"

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.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a temporary rule that closes the Pacific cod fishing season for catcher vessels 60 feet or longer using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This closure, effective from March 10, 2025, to September 1, 2025, is intended to prevent these vessels from exceeding their allowed catch limit for the season. The decision was made quickly to respond to recent data indicating the fishery was reaching its allowable catch limits and therefore bypassed the usual public comment and notice procedures.