NMFS announces an inseason action for the 2026 Pacific halibut non-Tribal directed commercial fishery in the International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC) regulatory Area 2A. This action adds a fishing period, August 18 through August 20, 2026, with a fishing period catch limit of 5,000 pounds (lb) (2.27 metric tons (mt)) per vessel, dressed weight. This action is intended to provide additional opportunity for the fleet to achieve the 2026 non-Tribal directed commercial fishery allocation.
The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable and well-managed fisheries that support rural, coastal, and Indigenous communities. During the 2026 elver fisher, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fishery officers worked across Southwest Nova Scotia, Eastern Nova Scotia, and Southwest New Brunswick to promote compliance and protect the integrity of this high-value fishery.
NMFS is closing the 2026 commercial fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of America (Gulf). Federal regulations require NMFS to close commercial harvest for greater amberjack if landings reach the commercial annual catch target (ACT) during the fishing year, which NMFS has projected will occur by August 5, 2026. The commercial closure for greater amberjack will remain closed through the rest of 2026. This action is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource in the Gulf.
NMFS closes the Angling category Gulf of Maine area fishery for large medium and giant ("trophy" (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally.
The Government of Canada is taking action to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels. AIS threaten aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and the economy by reproducing rapidly, disrupting native habitats, and creating costly challenges for industries and local communities. Canadians can help prevent the spread of AIS by properly cleaning, draining and drying their watercraft before moving them to new bodies of water.
NMFS issues this interim final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 72 (Framework 72) to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), specifically to implement status determination criteria for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, set catch limits for multispecies (groundfish) stocks, and revise the process for setting recreational measures for Atlantic cod and haddock. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and to achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. The measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
The European Commission has approved a €20 million State aid scheme for agricultural and fishing companies in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia that are facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis.
As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to build Canada Strong for All, today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East announced funding to support the repair and reconstruction of the breakwater at the small craft harbour in Fortune, as well as dredging of the harbour basin at the small craft harbour in Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Non-compliance with Canada's fishing regulations undermines conservation efforts and threatens the sustainability of fisheries resources for Indigenous communities, recreational harvesters and commercial operators. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) fishery officers play a vital role in protecting fish and fish habitat through enforcement, education, monitoring and inspection activities.