Northeast Fish Limits Set: Flounder, Bass Rules for 2026-2027
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 19, 2026, new fishing rules set how much summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish can be caught to keep these fish healthy and avoid overfishing. These rules affect fishermen and communities along the Northeastern U.S. coast and are based on the latest science. The changes help protect fish stocks now and into 2027, balancing fishing opportunities with conservation.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
2026 Catch Limits Adopted for Four Species
NMFS adopted 2026 (and projected 2027) catch limits for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish that become effective February 19, 2026. These specifications set stock-wide OFLs, ABCs, commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs, commercial quotas, and recreational harvest limits to prevent overfishing based on the latest science.
State-by-State Summer Flounder Quotas Set
The rule sets final 2026 State-by-State commercial summer flounder quotas (coastwide commercial quota 12.78 million lb / 5,795 mt). State allocations are listed for Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Bluefish Recreational ACL Overage Payback Applied
Because the bluefish recreational ACL was exceeded by 1.68 million lb (763 mt) in 2024, the final 2026 bluefish specifications include a payback adjustment applied in 2026. The adjustment is reflected in the 2026 recreational accountability measures and the 2026 RHL.
Bluefish Recreational Bag Limits Raised
The rule increases bluefish recreational possession limits by 2 fish: private recreational anglers may land up to 5 bluefish per day and anglers on for-hire (charter/party) vessels may land up to 7 bluefish per person per day, effective February 19, 2026. These limits reflect increased recreational harvest limits (RHLs) for 2026.
5% Black Sea Bass Commercial Closure Buffer
The black sea bass specifications include a 5-percent commercial in-season closure buffer for 2026 and 2027. The buffer is intended to provide flexibility so States and commercial fishers (including IFQ participants) can more fully harvest allocations before a coastwide closure is implemented.
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