Scallop Council Webinar Sets Fishing Limits for 2026
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on November 20, 2025, to decide new rules for scallop fishing in the region. These rules will affect fishermen by setting catch limits, fishing days, and area access for 2026 and 2027. The meeting will also review a long-term plan and set priorities to keep the scallop fishery healthy and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.
FW40 sets 2026–2027 scallop specs
On November 20, 2025 the Scallop Committee will consider Framework 40 (FW40), which will set fishery specifications for fishing year 2026 and default specifications for 2027. FW40 includes items such as the overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch (ABC) / annual catch limit (ACL), and other allocation choices that will affect scallop fishing rules.
Days-at-sea for 2026 decided
The Committee will select days-at-sea (DAS) specifications for fishing year 2026. Changes to DAS decide how many days vessels can fish, which affects how much fishing activity and catch a vessel can take in 2026.
Access area allocations for Limited Access vessels
FW40 will include decisions on access area allocations for Limited Access vessels that determine which vessels can fish in specific areas. Those allocation choices affect where Limited Access permit holders can operate in 2026 and set defaults for 2027.
LAGC IFQ quota and trip allocations
FW40 will set quota and access area trip allocations to the Limited Access General Category (LAGC) Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) component for fishing year 2026. These allocations determine how much quota and how many trips LAGC IFQ participants may use in 2026 and set defaults for 2027.
Northern Gulf of Maine Total Allowable Landings
FW40 will set the Total Allowable Landings (TAL) for the Northern Gulf of Maine management area for fishing year 2026. The TAL sets how much scallop landings are allowed in that specific management area for 2026 and establishes defaults for 2027.
LAGC incidental catch TAC and set-asides
FW40 will set a target-Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for LAGC incidental catch and include set-asides for the observer and research programs for fishing year 2026. These set-asides and the incidental TAC are part of the 2026 specifications and defaults for 2027.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20170, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on November 19, 2025, to decide new rules for scallop fishing in 2026 and 2027. This affects fishermen and businesses in New England’s fishing zone by setting catch limits, fishing days, and area access. The meeting will help protect scallops while supporting the fishing community’s future.
Next: 2025-20172, Caribbean Fishery Management Council 188th Public Hybrid Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council is holding its 188th meeting on December 3-4, 2025, both in person in St. Thomas and online. Fishers, local businesses, and communities will hear updates on fishing rules, science reports, and plans for 2026 that could affect how and when they fish. This meeting sets the stage for important decisions that might impact fishing limits and local economies soon.