Risky Business: New England Council Plans Five-Year Fishing Safeguards
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on March 9, 2025, to discuss new ways to manage fishing risks and set rules for New England’s ocean fisheries. This meeting affects fishermen, fishery managers, and coastal communities by aiming to improve how fishing limits are set for up to five years, helping protect fish stocks and support the fishing economy. The Council will also prepare for a big decision-making exercise in June 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Up-to-5-Year Fishing Limits Planning
The Council's Risk Policy Working Group is planning how to use a Risk Policy with Harvest Control Rules to set fishing specifications for up to 5 years. This work aims to protect fish stocks and support the fishing economy and will feed recommendations to the full Council, which will prepare for a weights exercise in June 2026.
Webinar to Discuss Risk Policy
A public webinar is scheduled for March 9, 2025 at 11 a.m. EST where the Risk Policy Working Group will discuss actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone. Interested fishermen and managers can register via the provided URL and the meeting will be recorded and available on request.
Disability Accommodations Available
The meeting is physically accessible and requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids must be directed to the Council's Executive Director at (978) 465-0492 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. This helps people with disabilities participate in the webinar or meeting.
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: 2026-03294, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request on Information Returns of Nontaxable Energy Grants or Subsidized Energy Financing
The IRS wants your thoughts on how it collects info about energy grants and special energy loans that don’t get taxed. If you’re involved with these energy deals, this is your chance to help make the process easier and clearer. Send your comments by April 20, 2026, so the IRS can keep things fair without adding extra hassle or costs.
Next: 2026-03299, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public webinar on March 19, 2026, to talk about new fishing rules for monkfish and skate wings. They’ll explore a possible Individual Fishing Quota program that could change how fishermen catch these species, aiming to keep fishing fair and sustainable. This affects local fishermen and could impact fishing limits and business planning soon.