Fishermen Free to Harvest Baby Surfclams in 2026
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Rule
Summary
Fishermen harvesting Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs can keep fishing with the same quotas as last year in 2026. Plus, the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams is suspended, meaning smaller clams can be caught this year. These changes keep the seafood supply steady without hurting the ocean, starting January 1 through December 31, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
2026 Clam Quotas Stay the Same
If you fish commercially for Atlantic surfclams or ocean quahogs, the 2026 harvest limits remain unchanged: 3.4 million bushels (181 million L) for Atlantic surfclams, 5.36 million bushels (285 million L) for ocean quahogs, and 100,000 Maine bushels (3.52 million L) for Maine ocean quahogs. This rule confirms those final quotas for the 2026 fishing year (January 1 through December 31, 2026).
Atlantic Surfclam Minimum Size Suspended
The default minimum shell length limit of 4.75 inches (121 mm) for Atlantic surfclams is suspended for the 2026 fishing year (January 1 through December 31, 2026), so smaller surfclams may be retained. NMFS based this suspension on 2025 commercial data showing 10.5 percent of landings were under 4.75 inches.
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