NOAAFinal Rule

Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast: Management Measures for the Area 2A Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery

AgricultureEnvironment

Summary

This regulation sets new rules for commercial fishing of Pacific halibut off the West Coast, specifically in Area 2A (which includes waters off Washington, Oregon, and California). The rules aim to manage how many halibut can be caught and when fishing can happen, to keep the halibut population healthy for both commercial fishermen and future generations.

Key Points

  • 1Establishes catch limits and fishing seasons for commercial halibut operations in Area 2A of the West Coast
  • 2Affects professional fishing businesses and crews who rely on halibut as part of their income
  • 3Sets specific management measures to prevent overfishing and maintain the halibut population at sustainable levels
  • 4Enforced by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the federal agency responsible for ocean and fish management
  • 5Fishermen must follow new guidelines when operating in designated West Coast waters or face penalties

Key Dates

Published

June 25, 2025

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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