Open for CommentNOAA· National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationProposed Rule

Fisheries off West Coast States: Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 37; Stock Definitions

Introduced February 5, 2026Comment period ends April 7, 2026View on regulations.gov ↗
💬 Closes in 19 daysDeadline: Apr 7, 2026

What This Means

This proposal would change how the federal government defines and manages different groups of fish species along the West Coast, particularly for groundfish like rockfish and sole that are caught commercially and recreationally. Fishing companies, individual fishermen, and seafood businesses operating in California, Oregon, and Washington would be directly affected by these new definitions, as they determine what fish can be caught, where, and in what amounts. The changes matter because getting these definitions right helps ensure fish populations stay healthy for the future while also protecting the ability of fishing communities to make a living.

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Details

TypeFederal Regulation
AgencyNOAA · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Regulations.gov IDNOAA-NMFS-2025-1428-0001
IntroducedFebruary 5, 2026
Comment DeadlineApril 7, 2026

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