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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BN54 Publication ID: Spring 2025 
Title: ●Management Measures for the 2025 Area 2A Pacific Halibut Directed Fishery 
Abstract:

This action would implement the 2025 Pacific halibut non-tribal directed commercial fishery annual management measures for the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s Regulatory Area 2A (waters off Washington, Oregon and California). A majority of these management measures are similar to those that have been established in previous years and primarily include days when Area 2A is open to directed commercial fishing (fishing periods) and the relevant fishing period limits. Beyond the routine annual revisions to the fishery’s season structure the proposed rule includes new management provisions that would modify the deadlines for the incidental and directed fishery permits, and the inseason notice procedures for fishing periods and fishing period limits. This action is in accordance with the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982. In November 2024, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) recommended a 2025 season structure for the fishery, similar to those in previous years, consisting of a series of three-day fishing periods beginning on the fourth Tuesday in June, at 2- to 3-week intervals, with a preference for 2-week intervals. Providing for 2-week intervals between fishing periods would require streamlining inseason notice procedures. This action would also shift the permit selection deadline from February 15 to March 15, annually. These new provisions are intended to maximize fishing opportunity. Therefore, this rule is anticipated to have positive economic impacts on commercial fishermen.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773-773k    16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.    16 USC 5501 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  04/08/2025  90 FR 15129   
NPRM Comment Period End  05/08/2025 
Final Action  07/00/2025 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Jennifer Quan
Regional Administrator - West Coast Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
DC 20230
Phone:562 980-4001
Email: jennifer.quan@noaa.gov