NMFS Aims to Rebuild Pacific Sardine Stocks
The National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking comments by May 24 on a proposal to implement annual harvest specifications and management measures for the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine for the fishing year from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
This proposed rule is intended to conserve, manage and rebuild the Pacific sardine stock off the U.S. West Coast.
Pacific sardine harvest would be allowed only for use as live bait, in minor directed fisheries, as incidental catch in other fisheries, or as authorized under exempted fishing permits.
The proposed action would prohibit most directed commercial fishing for Pacific sardine off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. The incidental harvest of Pacific sardine would be limited to 20% by weight of all f...