Proposed Framework for Striped Marlin Limits in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

NOAA Fisheries announces a proposed framework to determine the following for Western and Central North Pacific Ocean (WCNPO) striped marlin (Kajikia audax):

• Catch limits for all U.S. fisheries
• Retention limits for U.S. longline fisheries under a Hawaiʻi longline limited entry permit

Under this framework, we would annually specify the WCNPO striped marlin limit and U.S. longline retention limit through a Federal Register notice. If we project the U.S. longline retention limit would be reached, we would prohibit longline retention of WCNPO striped marlin until the end of the year.

This framework is consistent with international fishery management requirements from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, to which the United States is a founding member.

Proposed 2026 Limits

For fishing year 2026, we propose to specify the following limits based on the proposed framework:

• U.S. WCNPO striped marlin limit of 393.4 metric tons (mt) (867,300 pounds)
• U.S. longline retention limit of 381.6 mt (841,300 lb)

Read details in the Federal Register notice and supporting documentation

Get Involved

NOAA Fisheries welcomes comments on the proposed framework and limits through June 1, 2026.