The SHIFT Act updates federal fisheries management to account for climate change impacts on fish populations and improves coordination when fish stocks migrate across multiple management areas. The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to incorporate climate change data into coastal fishery management plans and to consider how shifting fish populations affect quota allocations between states and regions. The legislation also streamlines the process for managing fisheries that cross multiple regional council boundaries by establishing clear timelines for councils to either designate one council to manage the fishery or jointly develop a management plan within one to two years. Additionally, the bill requires regional fishing councils to review and update the list of authorized fisheries and fishing gear every five years, ensuring that new fisheries can only be added after analysis shows they will have minimal harmful effects on essential fish habitat and existing fisheries. The changes take effect upon enactment with no specific new funding authorized in the bill.
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