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.
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