New Quotas Set for Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries
Published Date: 9/23/2025
Rule
Summary
The government just set the fishing rules for 2025-2026 for mackerel, squid, and butterfish to keep fish populations healthy and prevent overfishing. Fishermen and seafood businesses will follow new catch limits and a bigger mesh size for butterfish nets starting next year. These changes help protect the ocean while keeping the fishery strong and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
2025–2026 Catch Limits for Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish
The rule sets allowable harvest levels (catch limits) for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan for 2025 and projects specifications for 2026, including specific 2025 specifications for chub mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, and Atlantic mackerel and 2025 and projected 2026 butterfish specifications. The limits are intended to prevent overfishing and are based on the most recent scientific information.
Butterfish Trawl Mesh Size Change
The rule adjusts the minimum square mesh size required for directed butterfish trawl trips as part of the 2025–2026 specifications. This change affects vessels that conduct directed butterfish trawl fishing under the Fishery Management Plan.
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Key Dates
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