Clam Party Allowed: Fishermen Mix Surfclams and Quahogs Freely
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen who catch surfclams and ocean quahogs can now bring both on the same trip thanks to Amendment 21. To keep things fair and clear, new rules require better tracking and reporting of these mixed catches. Comments on this change are open until February 27, 2026, so get your thoughts in soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Allowed to Land Two Clam Species Together
Amendment 21 would let commercial vessels land both surfclams and ocean quahogs on the same fishing trip. This change responds to shifting clam distributions and would allow the industry to bring mixed catches ashore instead of being limited by the old single-species landing rule.
New Monitoring and 5% Observer Coverage Target
Amendment 21 would create a new monitoring program including additional at-sea observer coverage with an initial target of 5 percent of all clam dredge fishing trips. The program includes monitoring both at sea and at dealers to ensure accurate accounting of mixed catches.
Industry-Paid Cost Recovery Fee (3% Cap)
The additional monitoring required by Amendment 21 would be funded by the industry through cost recovery. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, any fee to recover these costs cannot exceed three percent of the ex-vessel value of the fish harvested under the ITQ program.
Post-Landing Sorting at Dealer Facilities
Under Amendment 21, the landed mixed catch would be sorted after it arrives at the dealer's processing facility rather than fully sorted on the vessel. Dealers and processors will therefore have to receive and sort mixed surfclam and ocean quahog deliveries at their facilities.
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.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2026-20268, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 16, 2026, to discuss important fishery rules that affect fishermen and communities in New England’s waters. They’ll review advice from experts about protecting fish species and plan meetings for next year. This meeting could lead to new fishing rules that impact how and when people fish, helping keep the ocean healthy and fishing sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23857, Suretyship and Guaranty; Segregated Deposit and Collateral
The National Credit Union Administration wants to make it easier for federally insured credit unions to act as sureties and guarantors by removing the need for segregated deposits and collateral. This change gives credit unions more freedom to create products that better serve their members. Comments on this proposal are open until February 27, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!
Next: 2025-23890, Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability; Withdrawal
The government is officially pulling back some health data rules they proposed last year, so those changes won’t happen for now. This affects healthcare tech companies, patients, and public health groups who were expecting new ways to share and protect health info. The withdrawal takes effect December 29, 2025, meaning no new costs or changes from these proposals will hit soon.