New Rules Set Herring Fishing Limits Through 2027 Season
Published Date: 6/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting in 2025, new fishing limits for Atlantic herring and river herring will help protect fish populations and support rebuilding efforts through 2027. These changes affect fishermen in the Northeastern U.S. and aim to keep fishing sustainable while meeting updated science goals. The plan updates when the herring stock should be fully rebuilt, ensuring a healthy fishery for the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
New 2025 Atlantic Herring Limits
Starting in 2025, NMFS proposes new harvest specifications for the Atlantic herring fishery that apply through projected specifications for 2026 and 2027. The rule is based on a 2024 management-track assessment and is intended to prevent overfishing and help rebuild the herring stock.
River Herring and Shad Catch Caps
NMFS proposes catch caps for river herring and shad in the Atlantic herring fishery starting in 2025, with projected caps through 2026 and 2027. These caps are included as part of the 2025–2027 specifications recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council.
Updated Herring Rebuilding Date Proposed
The proposal includes updating the target rebuilding date for the Atlantic herring stock to reflect results from the 2024 management-track assessment and to meet the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan goals.
Projected 2026–2027 Specifications Posted
Alongside 2025 specifications, NMFS projects harvest specifications and catch caps for 2026 and 2027 as part of this proposed action. The projections stem from the New England Fishery Management Council recommendations and the 2024 assessment.
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