Proposed 2026-2027 Pacific Sardine Fishing Limits for the U.S. West Coast
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This proposal would keep most directed commercial fishing for Pacific sardine closed off Washington, Oregon, and California for the 2026-2027 fishing year. Harvest would still be allowed in limited cases, including live bait, small directed fisheries, incidental catch in other fisheries, and approved exempted fishing permits. The rule sets proposed catch limits to help conserve and rebuild the Pacific sardine stock. Fishing businesses, processors, bait suppliers, and vessels operating in coastal pelagic fisheries should review the proposed limits and submit comments by July 14, 2026, if the measures affect their operations.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Prohibits most directed commercial Pacific sardine fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California for the 2026-2027 fishing year
- Allows limited harvest for live bait, minor directed fisheries, incidental catch, and approved exempted fishing permits
- Sets proposed harvest limits, including a 2,200 metric ton annual catch limit and a 2,100 metric ton annual catch target
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit any public comments on the proposed rule through Regulations.gov under docket NOAA-NMFS-2026-1123; comments submitted by other methods may not be considered.
If finalized as proposed, do not conduct most directed commercial fishing for Pacific sardine off Washington, Oregon, or California during the 2026-2027 fishing year, except in allowed categories.
If finalized as proposed, harvest Pacific sardine only for live bait, minor directed fisheries, incidental catch in other fisheries, or under an approved exempted fishing permit.
If finalized as proposed, ensure Pacific sardine harvest remains within the proposed annual catch limit of 2,200 metric tons and annual catch target of 2,100 metric tons for the 2026-2027 fishing year.
Obtain authorization under an exempted fishing permit before harvesting Pacific sardine outside the otherwise allowed live bait, minor directed, or incidental catch categories, if the proposed rule is finalized.