# Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications; 2026-2027 Annual Specifications and Management Measures for Pacific Sardine

**Action Urgency Score:** 30/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Final rule. |
| Published | 2026-10-02 |
| Effective | 2026-10-02 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 50 CFR 660 |
| Summary | NMFS is implementing annual harvest specifications and management measures for the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine (hereafter, Pacific sardine), for the fishing year from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. This rule prohibits most directed commercial fishing for Pacific sardine off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Pacific sardine harvest is allowed for use only as live bait, in minor directed fisheries, as incidental catch in other fisheries, or as authorized under exempted fishing permits (EFPs). The incidental harvest of Pacific sardine will be limited to 20 perc |
| Document number | 2026-20234 |

## Why this score
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/02/2026-20234/fisheries-off-west-coast-states-coastal-pelagic-species-fisheries-annual-specifications-2026-2027). Last refreshed: 2026-11-05T14:36:47.995Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.