Fishermen Get Special Pass to Experiment with Cod Spawning Studies
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Fishing groups want special permission to try new fishing methods that don’t follow some usual rules, all to learn more about cod spawning in the Northeast. This affects federally permitted fishing boats and asks for public comments by March 31, 2026. If approved, it could help improve fishing rules and protect fish, with no immediate cost changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EFP Lets Vessels Fish Inside Cod Closures
If you operate a federally permitted fishing vessel and are approved to participate, the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) would exempt your vessel from 50 CFR 648.81(d)(1) to allow fishing for Northeast multispecies on board inside Gulf of Maine (GOM) Cod Protection Closure Areas I, II, and III. The project would run from May 1, 2026 through November 30, 2026 with up to 14 participating vessels and up to 178 trips.
Monitoring, Tow Limits, and Closure Thresholds
Participating vessels must carry a Northeast Fisheries Observer or an At-sea Monitor, or use an approved electronic monitoring program, submit Pre-Trip Notifications, and follow tow limits and sampling protocols. The EFP limits tows to up to 4 per trip (each tow up to 4 hours), caps total tows at up to 80 in Area A, up to 48 in Areas B1+B2 combined, and up to 50 in Area C, and stops fishing in a target area if more than 5 spawning cod are caught in one tow or if over 18% of tows in a 7-day period contain spawning cod.
Exemption to Retain Undersized Cod for Sampling
If you participate in the EFP, the project requests an exemption from 50 CFR 648.83 to allow retention of Atlantic cod under the 19-inch minimum size inside target areas for biological sampling. Cod caught in target-area tows would be kept whole, isolated in separate totes with sealed and zip-tied lids, and sampled for sex and maturity when vessels return.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-13809 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans
The New England Fishery Management Council wants to make fishing rules more flexible and easier to adjust during the season. This change affects fishermen and managers working with 27 fish species along the Northeast coast. Comments are open until August 7, 2026, so get ready to weigh in on how these updates could help keep fishing smart and steady without extra costs.
2026-13808 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4
The new rule changes how rainbow runner fish are managed in Puerto Rico’s waters by moving them from reef fish to pelagic fish status. This means new catch limits and rules will apply to keep fishing fair and sustainable. Fishermen and seafood businesses should get ready to follow these updates starting after the comment period ends on August 7, 2026.
2026-13682 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62
Fishermen and fish lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! Amendment 62 changes how much red grouper can be caught and who gets to catch it, based on the latest science. Plus, the usual February-March fishing break for shallow-water grouper is gone, so you can fish year-round. Comments on these changes are open until August 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-13684 — Pribilof Islands Administration; Dogs Prohibited
Starting August 6, 2026, specially trained rodent detection dogs will be allowed on the Pribilof Islands to help stop invasive rodents from harming local wildlife and communities. This change affects anyone bringing vessels or cargo to the islands, supporting efforts to protect native animals and food security. Public comments are open until the same date, with no new costs expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05068 — Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of Meeting
The Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council is holding its 71st meeting on April 13, 2026, both in-person and online. Anyone interested in HIV research can join, share comments, and hear updates from NIH leaders. No registration is needed, and security checks will be in place for on-site visitors.
Next: 2026-05070 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings on April 14, 2026, to review and decide on important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding for cool science projects. If you’re involved in bioengineering, AI, or biotech grants, these reviews could impact your funding and research timeline.