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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BO45 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: ●Pacific Island Fisheries; Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Bottomfish for Fishing Years 2026–29 
Abstract:

This proposed rule would establish annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for bottomfish management unit species (BMUS) in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The proposed ACLs and AMs would apply for fishing years 2026 through 2029 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.). Consistent with the process outlined in the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Mariana Archipelago (FEP) and implementing regulations at 50 CFR 665.4, the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended an ACL of 72,000 lb and an ACT of 66,000 lb for fishing years 2026 through 2029. The fishing year is January 1 through December 31. As a post-season AM, catch in the fishery would be evaluated after each fishing year to determine if the average catch of the three most recent years exceeds the ACL. If it does, NMFS would reduce the ACL and ACT in the subsequent year equal to the amount of the overage through a separate rulemaking action. The proposed rule supports the long-term sustainability of the fishery through the combination of ACLs, ACTs and AMs. 

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Not subject to, not significant 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 665   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/00/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Sarah Malloy
Acting Regional Administrator, Pacific Islands Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818
Phone:808 725-5000
Email: sarah.malloy@noaa.gov