New Rules Tweak How Much Mackerel Fishermen Catch
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 23, 2026, new rules change how much Atlantic mackerel fishermen can catch to help the fish population grow stronger. These updates affect fishermen and fishery managers in the Northeast and aim to keep the mackerel supply healthy and steady. You’ve got until March 25, 2026, to share your thoughts on these changes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Big Increase in 2026 Commercial Quota
If you fish commercially for Atlantic mackerel, the 2026 domestic commercial quota (DAH) increases from 868 metric tons (mt) in 2025 to 6,817 mt effective February 23, 2026. The allowable biological catch (ABC) rises from 3,200 mt to 10,714 mt and the commercial annual catch target increases from 983 mt to 7,104 mt.
Higher Recreational Catch Deduction
The 2026 recreational catch deduction is set at 2,500 mt, which is 17 percent higher than in 2025, and is included in the February 23, 2026 specifications. That deduction reduces the amount of the ABC available for commercial harvest because the recreational catch is subtracted when calculating commercial limits.
New Management Buffer to Prevent Overages
A 610-mt management uncertainty buffer is added for 2026 (up from 0 in 2025) to help ensure the commercial fishery can be closed in time and prevent overages; estimated commercial discards for 2026 are set at 287 mt (up from 115 mt). These measures are effective February 23, 2026.
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