NMFS seeks public comment on proposed regulations to implement Abbreviated Framework Amendment 5 (Abbreviated Framework 5) under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP). If implemented by NMFS, this proposed rule would revise catch levels for blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. The purposes of these proposed regulatory changes are to ensure the catch levels for blueline tilefish are based on the best scientific information available (BSIA), to achieve and maintain optimum yield (OY), and to prevent overfishing while minimizing adverse social and economic effects to the extent practicable in accordance with NMFS' statutory mandates.
Environment Agency and West Cumbria Rivers Trust work together to translocate salmon fry upstream of How Beck after reducing barriers to fish migration.
The bluefin tuna (BFT) fishing season opens next week in parts of the UK, giving authorised commercial and permitted recreational fishers the opportunity to fish for BFT.
NMFS approves and implements specifications for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This action sets the 2026 and projects the 2027-2028 specifications for the chub mackerel and Illex squid fisheries and reaffirms the previously projected 2026 specifications for the longfin squid and butterfish fisheries. These final specifications are intended to establish allowable harvest levels that will prevent overfishing, consistent with the most recent scientific information.
NMFS proposes to implement the Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) (Amendment), as prepared by the Council. This proposed rule would allow for changes to the specifications process, in-season adjustment authority, and preparation of Council reports and reviews. The purpose of this action is to address the need for increased management flexibility and consistency across all the Council's FMPs.
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (Puerto Rico FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). The proposed rule would reclassify rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP. The proposed rule would implement management measures for rainbow runner based on the pelagic fish classification, including sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability measures (AMs). The sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) would be retained after the reclassification. The purpose of this proposed rule and Amendment 4 is to ensure that rainbow runner is managed consistent with its life history characteristics, fishing patterns, and with the Council's management of other pelagic species.
NMFS is creating an exception to the prohibition on landing dogs on the Pribilof Islands to allow the Regional Administrator to authorize independently certified and trained rodent detection dogs to be deployed to detect and prevent the establishment of invasive rodents. Invasive rodents could have significant consequences for the wildlife species that live and breed on the Pribilof Islands and the health and food security of community members. Public comments received expressed broad support for the proposed rule with some minor clarifications. NMFS is publishing this interim final rule to allow public comment on the decision to authorize certified and trained rodent detection dogs to pre-emptively inspect vessels or cargo. This action supports Tribal, local, and Federal agency efforts intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fur Seal Act (FSA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and other applicable laws.
NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP) (Amendment 62), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf Council (Council). This proposed rule and Amendment 62 would revise the catch limits and sector allocations for Gulf of America (Gulf) red grouper, based on the best scientific information available. Additionally, this proposed rule would remove the shallow-water grouper (SWG) recreational seasonal closure, from February 1 through March 31, in Gulf Federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary.
NMFS is issuing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act (TCA) of 1950, as amended, to implement resolutions adopted at the 103rd Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in September 2025. The final rule also implements several provisions of Resolution C-19-04 (Resolution to Mitigate Impacts on Sea Turtles) that were not previously implemented and makes technical corrections to regulations for fishing under the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP). The management measures in this rule apply to fishing vessels targeting tropical tuna (i.e., bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). This rule is necessary for the conservation and management of tropical tuna stocks in the EPO and for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period on our October 18, 2022, proposed rule (2022 proposed rule), and November 21, 2023, revised proposed rule (2023 revised proposed rule) to list the Kern Canyon slender salamander (Batrachoseps simatus) and the relictual slender salamander (Batrachoseps relictus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to designate critical habitat for both species, and to issue a rule under section 4(d) of the Act for the Kern Canyon slender salamander. This action will allow all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule, as well as the opportunity to comment on a new provision for the 4(d) rule in response to previously submitted public comments and our necessary and advisable determination (including consideration of conservation and economic impacts) of the proposed 4(d) rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final rule.