Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Modifying Halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Vessel Harvest Limitations in IFQ Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E

In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, this proposed action would modify Pacific halibut (halibut) Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) vessel harvest limitations in IFQ Regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E (Area 4) through two changes. First, vessels participating in the halibut IFQ fishery would be able to harvest up to 5 percent of the annual aggregate Area 4 total allowable catch on a single vessel. Second, a Community Quota Entity’s harvest in Area 4B would not accrue towards the new Area 4 vessel limitation. This action would provide additional flexibility and stability to IFQ participants and vessel operators harvesting halibut IFQ in Area 4. The proposed rule published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2026 (91 FR 56606), with public comments invited through October 5, 2026.