2026-02065: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Applications for Exempted Fishing Permits
Public comment closed .
Get alerted when the next rule lands
New rules open for comment on their own schedule. Pick how you want to hear about them — we email you when one appears.
Publishing to members? Embed a live rule tracker on your own site — the proposed rules in your area and the comment deadlines closing on them, updating themselves. Free, one line of HTML.
Create a free account & build one →Summary
NMFS received two exempted fishing permit (EFP) applications for U.S. West Coast highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries that warrant further consideration at this time. Both EFP applicants request exemptions from regulatory provisions pertaining to the use of authorized gear types under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). The applicants propose to test the effects and efficacy of using alternative fishing practices to harvest swordfish and other HMS off of the U.S. West Coast. During the November 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting, the Council reviewed and endorsed these two EFP applications and recommended that NMFS approve them. NMFS has determined that these applications warrant further consideration and is requesting public comment on them, as well as the Council's recommendations on them.
The agency’s own summary, as published.
Don't miss the comment window
One Click Politics alerts you on every deadline, hearing, and rule change.
See all rules with comments due soon →