U.S. FEDRegulation
NMFS sets 2026-2027 Pacific sardine specs and bars most directed fishing
The National Marine Fisheries Service set annual harvest specifications for the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine for the July 2026-June 2027 fishing year, prohibiting most directed commercial fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California. The rule sets an overfishing limit of 4,645 metric tons, acceptable biological catch of 3,613 metric tons, and an annual catch limit of 2,200 metric tons. Limited harvest continues for live bait, minor directed fisheries, and incidental catch.
Key points
- Published at 91 FR 62677 (50 CFR Part 660); fishing year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027; effective October 2, 2026.Federal Register
- Overfishing limit 4,645 mt; acceptable biological catch 3,613 mt; annual catch limit 2,200 mt; target 2,100 mt.Federal Register
- Most directed commercial fishing is prohibited off Washington, Oregon, and California.Federal Register
- Harvest remains allowed for live bait, minor directed fisheries, and incidental catch.Federal Register
- Incidental harvest is limited to 20 percent by weight per trip or 2 mt with non-CPS stocks.Federal Register
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Filed under
RegulationU.S.NMFS Pacific Sardine 2026-2027 SpecificationsEnvironmentalRegulatoryFor practitionersFor governance