Cape Cod Fishermen Beg for Monkfish Rule Breaks in 2026
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance wants special permission to fish monkfish in 2026 and 2027 beyond usual rules to help with research. This means some fishing boats can try new ways to catch monkfish without usual limits, supporting science and the fishing community. People have until April 17, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Trip-Limit Exemptions for RSA Fishing
If this Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) is approved, federally permitted vessels fishing under monkfish research set-aside (RSA) days-at-sea (DAS) could be exempt from monkfish trip limits in the Northern and Southern Fishery Management Areas (50 CFR 648.94(b)(1) and 50 CFR 648.94(b)(2)). The exemption would apply during the approved RSA DAS used for the CCCFA project, allowing participating vessels to land without the usual trip limits while fishing those RSA DAS.
Use and Extension of Unused RSA DAS
The EFP would authorize use of 216 unused 2023-awarded monkfish RSA days-at-sea (DAS) in fiscal year 2026, with those DAS to expire on April 30, 2027. Unused 2024-awarded RSA DAS may also be made available in fiscal year 2027 and would expire on April 30, 2028.
Landing-Weight Calculation for RSA DAS
For the Monkfish RSA program, NMFS has associated 4,074 lb (1,848 kg) whole weight per RSA DAS (twice the landing limit for Permit Category A and C vessels in the Southern Fishery Management Area). Annually, up to 2,037,000 lb (923,968 kg) whole weight may be harvested under the Monkfish RSA allocation of 500 RSA DAS.
Research Support: CPUE Index Development
The EFP would support a project titled 'Incorporating Fishermen's Knowledge into a Standardized Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) Index for the Commercial Monkfish Gillnet Fishery.' The project runs from 05/01/2026 (or upon issuance) through 04/30/2027 and aims to develop standardized CPUE indices for use in monkfish stock assessments.
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Previous: 2026-06439, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Fishing boats with federal permits might get special permission to fish monkfish in 2026 and 2027 beyond usual rules, thanks to a research project by Cornell University. This lets them test new fishing methods while following safety rules. If you have thoughts, speak up by April 17, 2026, because this could change how some fishermen work and impact fishing days at sea.
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