NOAA Hooks New Monkfish Limits for Northeast Fishermen
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen and seafood businesses in the Northeast will see new rules for catching monkfish starting in 2026. These changes set catch limits for 2026 through 2028, simplify how overfishing is handled, and add backup plans to keep the fishery healthy. Comments on these rules are open until May 26, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
2026–2028 Monkfish Catch Limits Set
NMFS proposes specific monkfish catch limits for fishing years 2026 through 2028. For the Northern area the proposed ABC and ACL are 6,224 metric tons (mt), ACT 6,038 mt, expected discards 863 mt, and TAL 5,309 mt (a 3% decrease from 2023–2025). For the Southern area the proposed ABC and ACL are 5,861 mt, ACT 5,685 mt, expected discards 2,198.5 mt, and TAL 3,487 mt (a 0.2% increase from 2023–2025).
Default Rollover of Catch Specifications
If final specifications (OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs) for a fishing year are not published in time, the rule would make that year's specifications equal to the prior fishing year's specifications until superseded. The regulatory text would add this default rollover to Sec. 648.96(c)(1)(iv).
Small Business Impact Finding
NMFS estimates 286 entities held monkfish permits in 2024 and that 281 small business entities may be affected by the rule; 5 large entities had average affiliate revenues over $11 million. NMFS concluded the action is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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