Crabby Quotas Ahead: Deep-Sea Red Crabs Get Federal Limits
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 13, 2026, fishermen in the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery must follow new catch limits set to keep crab populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules set the total amount of red crab that can be caught through February 28, 2027, helping prevent overfishing while supporting a steady crab supply. This affects crab fishers by setting clear limits to protect the ocean and their future earnings.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
2026 Red Crab Catch Limits Set
If you fish in the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, the annual catch limit (ACL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), and total allowable landings (TAL) are set at 2,000 metric tons (4.41 million pounds) for the period effective April 13, 2026 through February 28, 2027. The rule says these limits are intended to prevent overfishing and allow harvesting of optimum yield.
Quota Overages Trigger Pound-for-Pound Cuts
The rule states that if the fishery quota is exceeded in a year, regulations at 50 CFR 648.262(b) require a pound-for-pound reduction in a subsequent fishing year. NMFS reviews catch information at the end of each fishing year to determine if the quota has been exceeded.
No New Small-Business Economic Impact Found
The Department previously certified that the 2024-2027 red crab specifications would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, and NMFS states implementing the 2026 specifications will not change that prior certification. No new regulatory flexibility analysis was prepared.
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