NOAA Ditches Whale-Saving Study: Fishermen Catch a Break
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA has decided not to move forward with extra environmental reviews for new rules aimed at protecting big whales from fishing gear along the U.S. East Coast. This means commercial fishermen using trap/pot and gillnet gear won’t see immediate new changes from this plan, saving time and money for everyone involved. The original plan to study these changes was officially canceled on February 23, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
2021 Rule Holds Through Dec 31, 2028
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 deemed the 2021 rule sufficient to ensure that continued Federal and State authorizations of the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries are in full compliance with the MMPA and Endangered Species Act through December 31, 2028. That means the 2021 rule is considered sufficient for that period, and NMFS may consider amendments (including issuing new NOIs) for any changes required on or after December 31, 2028.
No Immediate New Whale-Rule Reviews
NMFS withdrew the Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Phase 2 changes to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan as of February 23, 2026. That means commercial fishermen who use trap/pot and gillnet gear along the U.S. East Coast will not face immediate new rule changes from this Phase 2 effort, avoiding near-term extra environmental review costs and delays.
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