New 2026 Limits Set for Mid-Atlantic Tilefish Fishing Quotas
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is setting new fishing rules for golden and blueline tilefish in the Mid-Atlantic for 2026 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules affect fishermen north of the North Carolina/Virginia border and include limits on how many fish can be caught. Comments on the plan are open until April 14, 2026, so everyone has a chance to weigh in before the rules take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Blueline TALs Jump Big
For 2026, the proposed blueline tilefish commercial total allowable landings (TAL) would increase by 426% and the recreational TAL by 350%. The Mid-Atlantic ABC for blueline tilefish is proposed at 452,200 lb (205.1 mt), and NMFS estimates the increased commercial TAL would authorize about $454,000 in commercial value compared to an approximate $67,000 commercial value in 2024.
Overage Must Be Deducted Next Year
Preliminary analysis shows commercial blueline tilefish landings exceeded the 2025 ACL by 617 lb (0.3 mt); under the regulations, that overage must be deducted in the following year. The proposed 2026 specifications reflect a -617 lb commercial overage adjustment.
Golden Tilefish Specs Remain Unchanged
The proposed 2026 golden tilefish specifications are unchanged from 2025: ABC and ACL of 1,878,338 lb (852.0 mt), IFQ ACT 1,733,109 lb (786.1 mt), incidental ACT 91,216 lb (41.4 mt), IFQ TAL 1,728,590 lb (784.1 mt), and incidental TAL 68,949 lb (31.3 mt). Non-IFQ commercial vessels remain subject to a 500 lb (227 kg) gutted golden tilefish per-trip limit or 50% by weight of total landings (whichever is less).
Recreational Seasons, Limits Stay Same
Recreational management measures remain unchanged for 2026: golden tilefish recreational fishery stays open year-round with an 8-fish bag limit per person per trip; blueline tilefish season remains May 15 through November 14 with bag limits that vary by vessel type (private vessels 3-fish per person; for-hire without a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certification of Inspection (COI) 5-fish; for-hire with a valid COI 7-fish). Boats used to take anglers for hire must have a Charter/Party Tilefish Permit; private recreational vessels need a Private Recreational Tilefish Permit; both require vessel trip reports.
Agency Finds No Significant Small-Biz Harm
NMFS certified that the proposed 2026 specifications would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Between 2020-2024, 722 affiliate commercial fishing firms landed blueline tilefish (713 categorized as small, 9 as large), and 426 for-hire affiliates potentially affected were all categorized as small businesses.
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