View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML

DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BO40 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: ●Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework Adjustment 17 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan  
Abstract:

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issues this interim final rule pursuant to the authorities under sections 303(c), 304(b), and 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NMFS and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council manage Atlantic mackerel under the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. During its August 2025 meeting, the Council initiated a framework adjustment to consider revisions to the mackerel rebuilding plan and set 2026-2027 mackerel fishery specifications. During its December 2025 meeting, the Council finalized its recommendations for the framework. This interim final rule would: Revise the mackerel rebuilding plan; set 2026 and projected 2027 mackerel fishery specifications; increase commercial mackerel possession limits; revise the mackerel fishery closure process; and establish increased mode-specific (i.e., private, for-hire) recreational mackerel possession limits. This interim final rule may also account for a potential overage of the 2025 mackerel annual catch limit (if necessary), and correct and streamline existing regulations that were implemented through previous regulatory actions.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Not subject to, not significant 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Interim Final Rule  04/27/2026  91 FR 22457   
Interim Final Rule Effective  04/27/2026 
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End  05/12/2026 
Final Action  08/00/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Michael Pentony
Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
55 Great Republic Drive,
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone:978 281-9283
Email: michael.pentony@noaa.gov