Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Issuing agencies
Abstract
This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that Atlantic herring continues to be overfished; the West Coast Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon stock continues to be overfished; and the northern subpopulation of Pacific Sardine is now overfished. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, is required to provide this notice whenever it determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 8 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 1268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00428]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF135]
Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that Atlantic herring
continues to be overfished; the West Coast Klamath River fall-run
Chinook salmon stock continues to be overfished; and the northern
subpopulation of Pacific Sardine is now overfished. NMFS, on behalf of
the Secretary, is required to provide this notice whenever it
determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing,
overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Evelyn Strombom, (301) 427-8633.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C.
1854(e)(2), NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, must notify councils, and
publish a notice in the Federal Register, whenever it determines that a
stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, overfished, or
approaching an overfished condition.
NMFS has determined that Atlantic herring continues to be
overfished. This determination is based on the most recent assessment,
completed in 2024 using data through 2023, that found the spawning
stock biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST),
which supports the determination that the stock remains overfished.
NMFS continues to work with the New England Fishery Management Council
to rebuild this stock.
NMFS has determined that the West Coast Klamath River fall-run
Chinook salmon stock continues to be overfished. This determination is
based on the most recent assessment, completed in 2025 using data from
2022-2024, that found the 3-year geometric mean escapement is less than
the MSST, which supports the determination that the stock remains
overfished. NMFS continues to work with the Pacific Fishery Management
Council to rebuild this stock.
NMFS has determined that the northern subpopulation of Pacific
Sardine is again overfished. This determination is based on the most
recent assessment, completed in 2025 using data through 2024, that
found the age 1+ biomass is less than the MSST, which supports a
determination that the stock is overfished. NMFS continues to work with
the Pacific Fishery Management Council to rebuild this stock.
Dated: January 8, 2026.
Kelly Denit,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00428 Filed 1-12-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
</pre></body>
</html>This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.