Herring Hold-Back: 2,000-Pound Limit Hits Northeast Fishermen
Published Date: 8/11/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting soon, fishermen in Area 1A can only keep up to 2,000 pounds of Atlantic herring at a time. This change helps protect herring populations because they’re getting caught too fast, hitting 92% of the limit early. By limiting catches now, we avoid bigger cuts and keep the fishery healthy for the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Area 1A 2,000‑lb Possession Limit
If you fish Atlantic herring in Management Area 1A, you may only possess up to 2,000 pounds (907.2 kg) of herring at a time. NMFS set this limit because catch from Area 1A reached 92 percent of the area's sub-annual catch limit before the end of the fishing year.
Action Aims To Prevent Later Cuts
This possession limit is intended to prevent overharvest of herring in Area 1A so the fishery does not face additional catch limit reductions in a subsequent year. The rule's stated goal is to keep the herring resource and the fishery healthier for the future.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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