Search Results for keywords:"fishing regulations"

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 (NMFS) has issued a temporary rule that prohibits the retention of shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This rule applies to all vessels except those enrolled in the Central GOA Rockfish Program with a cooperative quota permit. It is effective from April 15, 2025, through the end of the year, because the allowable catch limit for these fish has already been reached. This decision ensures the sustainability of the fish population as part of broader efforts to manage fishery resources under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

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 Department of Commerce is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to vessel and gear identification requirements for fishing in the Pacific Islands Region. This effort is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and primarily affects vessels with federal permits, requiring them to display specific identification markings. These regulations aid in fishery law enforcement and help in tracking fishing activities. The public has 30 additional days to submit comments on these requirements through the website reginfo.gov.

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) 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) 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 New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public hybrid meeting on January 21, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. to discuss fishing measures for the Western Gulf of Maine cod and Gulf of Maine haddock for 2025. The meeting will take place at the Four Points by Sheraton in Wakefield, MA, with an option to participate via webinar. The Groundfish Recreational Advisory Panel will present recommendations for consideration by the full Council. The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities, and accommodations can be requested in advance.