Sea Bass DNA and Squid Limits Stir Council Debate
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee is meeting on March 10, 2026, to review new research on black sea bass genetics and discuss possible changes to squid fishing limits. This affects fishermen and coastal communities who rely on these species, with potential impacts on fishing quotas and sustainability. The meeting is online and open to the public, aiming to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Illex Squid Quota Review May Affect Fishers
The Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee will consider potential adjustments to the Illex squid quota based on the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) squid quota during its March 10, 2026 meeting. If changes are adopted later, fishermen and coastal communities that rely on Illex squid could see changes to fishing limits and quotas that affect their catch and income.
Black Sea Bass Genetics Review May Change Management
The SSC will review new research on black sea bass genetics on March 10, 2026. Fishermen and coastal communities that depend on black sea bass could be affected if the research leads to changes in how the species is managed, including possible impacts on quotas or conservation measures.
Meeting Accessibility — Request Aids 5 Days Early
The March 10, 2026 meeting is available by webinar and is physically accessible. If you need sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, you must request them by contacting Shelley Spedden at (302) 526-5251 at least 5 days before the meeting date.
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.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03406, Government Owned Inventions Available for License: Gait Assistance Systems and Methods of Control Thereof; Correction
The NIH fixed a small but important mistake in their earlier notice about licensing a cool invention that helps people walk better. They updated the official reference number so everyone knows exactly which invention is available. This correction keeps the licensing process clear and on track—no delays or extra costs for those interested!
Next: 2026-03408, Filing of Plats of Survey; Nevada
The Bureau of Land Management just filed new official maps (called plats of survey) for certain lands in Nevada. These updates help the BLM and the Department of the Navy manage land better, with filings completed between January and May 2025. If you’re involved in land use or local government, these changes might affect you, but there’s no new cost or deadline to worry about right now.