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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-17126, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME DMR). Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
2026-17113, Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Commercial Closure for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
NMFS implements an accountability measure for the commercial harvest of blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS estimates that commercial landings of blueline tilefish will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for the 2026 fishing year. Accordingly, NMFS closes the commercial sector of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ to protect the blueline tilefish resource from overfishing.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-08344, Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings; Rescission
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is rolling back changes it made to how it handles legal cases starting in 2022 and 2023. This means the old rules will come back, affecting companies and people involved in these cases. No new costs or deadlines are added, but everyone should watch for updates on when the switch happens.
Next: 2025-08072, Air Plan Approval; South Dakota; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to South Dakota’s updated plan to clear up the skies and reduce haze in special natural areas. This plan helps keep the air cleaner and the views clearer for everyone, especially in protected parks. The changes kick in during the second phase of the program, making sure South Dakota keeps making progress without extra costs for businesses or residents.