NMFS issues this final rule to standardize the time limit in which trawl catcher/processors (C/Ps) participating in the groundfish fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska Management Area (GOA) and the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) must assign each haul to a management program. This action is necessary to improve consistency with respect to when trawl C/Ps are required to assign a haul to a specific management program in a logbook. It allows additional time for vessel operators participating in the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) and non-CDQ fisheries on the same trip to determine which management program to assign a haul to. This rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for Groundfish of the GOA and BSAI Management Areas, and other applicable laws.
The mackerel stock in the North-East Atlantic is currently in a critical conservation status after years of overfishing, particularly by the Russian Federation. In 2026, Russia unilaterally raised its quota to 22.5% of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) - equivalent to 67,548 tonnes
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 22 to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce. This notification announces that the proposed Amendment 22 to the CPS FMP is available for public review and comment and is currently being reviewed by NMFS for approval, disapproval, or partial approval. If approved, Amendment 22 would update essential fish habitat (EFH) provisions for stocks managed under the CPS FMP based on a recent review of available information. There are no management measures proposed as part of this action, and no regulations are necessary to implement the proposed updates. The Council has proposed this amendment with the intention to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the CPS FMP, and other applicable laws. NMFS will consider public comments in deciding whether to approve, disapprove, or partially approve Amendment 22.
NMFS is issuing final regulations to remove the Cordell Bank Groundfish Conservation Area off central California for all groundfish fisheries and implement a new Groundfish Exclusion Area for all groundfish fisheries to protect sensitive habitat. The purpose of this action is to simplify regulatory complexity associated with overlapping fishery closures in the Cordell Bank area, and to increase fishing opportunities while still protecting the Cordell Bank ecosystem.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are amending the definition of "shellfish" in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by removing the phrase "having a shell" and adding specific taxa. This amendment will clarify that squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and other cephalopods are included within the regulatory definition of shellfish. This action is deregulatory in nature, as it reduces regulatory ambiguity, aligns the Service's regulations with current biological understanding and commercial practice, reduces regulatory burden and is within the Service's purview to amend definitions as needed.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising the migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska. Subsistence harvest regulations allow for the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska and establish when and where the harvesting of certain migratory birds may occur within each subsistence region. Subsistence harvest regulations, including the changes set forth in this document, were developed through a cooperative process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives.
The Northern shrimp fishery has long been an important source of income for coastal communities in eastern Canada. The Government of Canada is continuing to support Canada’s fishing industries and those whose livelihoods depend on it.
The European Commission has approved a €15 million Irish State aid scheme to support fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF)
The European Commission has approved a €212 million French State aid scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF)