NMFS is publishing regulations under the authority of Section 303(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to implement an immediate closure of the California/Oregon drift gillnet (DGN) fishery for swordfish and thresher shark (14 inch (36 cm) minimum mesh size) if a hard cap (i.e., limit) on mortality/injury is met or exceeded for […]

NOAA Fisheries has issued a proposed rule for the Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual management measures for Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California.  Comments on the proposed changes to the Catch Sharing Plan and domestic Area 2A Pacific halibut management measures must be received by March 9, 2020. Please see the Federal Register […]

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is requesting comments on the proposed rule to implement rebuilding plans recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council for two overfished stocks: Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon and Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on February 4, 2020. NMFS is requesting comments […]

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a Stock Assessment Review (STAR) Panel meeting to review the 2020 Pacific sardine stock assessment.  The meeting will be held Monday, February 24, 2020 through Thursday, February 27, 2020.  The meeting will start at 1 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on February 24, and 8:30 a.m. on each […]

On January 23, 2020 the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a proposed rule “2020 Annual Determination To Implement the Sea Turtle Observer Requirement”, pursuant to its authority under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Through the AD, NMFS identifies U.S. fisheries operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that will be […]

Written public comment can be submitted to the Council through its e-Portal when comment periods are open before Council meetings. A list of Council meetings will appear on the ePortal page; when the public comment period is open, the first Council meeting on the list will show its comment status as “open.” Next, you will […]