NOAA Sets New Limits for Squid and Butterfish Fishing Frenzy
Published Date: 5/13/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen who catch mackerel, squid, and butterfish will follow new rules for 2025-2026 to keep fish populations healthy and avoid overfishing. The plan sets how much fish can be caught, changes the net size for butterfish, and fixes some past rule mistakes. These updates help protect the ocean while keeping fishing fair and on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
2025–2026 catch limits set
The rule proposes 2025 and projected 2026 specifications for butterfish and reaffirms 2025 specifications for chub mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, and Atlantic mackerel. These specifications set allowable harvest levels intended to prevent overfishing based on the most recent scientific information.
Butterfish mesh-size change
The action would adjust the minimum square mesh size required for directed butterfish trawl trips. Fishermen using directed butterfish trawl gear would need to comply with the new minimum square mesh size requirement.
Accounting for 2024 mackerel overage
The proposed action would account for a 2024 Atlantic mackerel annual catch limit (ACL) overage, if applicable. This accounting step addresses the 2024 overage as part of the 2025–2026 specifications process.
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