NOAA Eyes Removing Old Rules for Longline Fishermen
Published Date: 4/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to make fishing rules easier for Atlantic pelagic and bottom longline fishermen by removing some old regulations about certain fish species. This change aims to give fishermen more freedom to catch fish while still protecting the ocean. If you fish with an Atlantic HMS permit, you can share your thoughts by May 29, 2026, and join a public webinar on May 21.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Remove 5% Indicator Species Limit
NMFS proposes to remove the 5-percent (by weight) limits and the pelagic and demersal indicator species lists (Tables 2 and 3 of appendix A to 50 CFR part 635). If finalized, Atlantic HMS pelagic and bottom longline permit holders could land allowable pelagic and demersal species under their permits without the current 5-percent weight cap, which may let them use authorized gears (for example, bandit gear) and potentially increase HMS and non-HMS landings and revenue on trips.
Who This Rule Applies To
The proposed change would apply to holders of Atlantic HMS permits, specifically 164 Swordfish Directed, 63 Swordfish Incidental, 188 Shark Directed, 221 Shark Incidental, and 223 Atlantic Tunas Longline limited access permits. NMFS states it considers all commercial HMS permit holders to be small entities under its $11 million annual gross receipts size standard for commercial fishing.
No New Paperwork Required
NMFS says this proposed rule contains no new information collection, reporting, or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. That means permit holders would not have additional federal paperwork duties from this specific regulatory change.
Bluefin Tuna Gear Retention Rule Remains
Even under the preferred alternative, NMFS states that HMS fishermen cannot retain bluefin tuna using a gear type onboard the vessel that is not authorized for bluefin tuna retention under an Atlantic Tunas Longline category permit. That restriction on bluefin tuna retention continues to limit gear-switching benefits for bluefin retention.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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