Fisheries off West Coast States: Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 37; Stock Definitions
Summary
This regulation proposes new rules for how fish populations are defined and managed in Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries, which affects commercial and recreational fishing along the West Coast. The changes help fishing managers track different fish species more accurately and make better decisions about how many fish can be caught each year.
Key Points
- 1The rule updates how different groundfish species (like rockfish, sole, and other bottom-dwelling fish) are classified and counted off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington
- 2Better fish population definitions help prevent overfishing by giving managers more precise information about which species are healthy and which need protection
- 3Commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, and seafood businesses on the West Coast will be affected by any new fishing limits that result from the updated definitions
- 4The public has until April 7, 2026 to submit comments about whether these changes are a good idea
- 5Implementing these changes could influence how much fish West Coast fisheries can harvest and where fishing is allowed
Key Dates
February 5, 2026
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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