Fish Council Meets to Set Quotas: Oceans and Economies on Agenda
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from April 7-9, 2026, both in New York City and online. They’ll discuss important fish habitat protections, fishing quotas, and new rules that could affect fishermen and coastal communities. These decisions could impact fishing limits and permits, helping balance healthy oceans with local economies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
Essential Fish Habitat Amendment Review
On April 7, 2026 the Council will consider final action on an Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment and may submit it to NOAA Fisheries. This item is about changing fish habitat protections that could lead to new rules affecting fishing activities and coastal economies.
Scup Quota Threshold Analysis
On April 8, 2026 the Council will review a Scup Winter I quota period landings threshold analysis and may consider management action. That review could lead to changes in scup catch limits or management measures that affect fishers who harvest scup.
Multi-Year Specifications Planning
On April 8, 2026 the Council will review staff memos and consider initiating an omnibus multi-year specifications management action. This planning could lead to multi-year catch limits or rules that change how fisheries are managed over several years.
Recreational Tilefish Permitting Decision
On April 8, 2026 the Council will review public comments on recreational tilefish permitting, select preferred alternatives, and take final action. That final action could create or change permit requirements for recreational tilefish fishers.
IFQ Scoping for Monkfish or Skate Wings
On April 8, 2026 the Council will review and approve an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program scoping document for monkfish and/or skate wings. Scoping is a step toward potentially creating or changing IFQ quota systems that affect allocation of catch among fishers.
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Key Dates
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