New Rules Tweak Fishing Limits for Flounder and Bass
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 28, 2026, new rules change how recreational fishing limits are set for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish in the Northeast. These updates affect anglers by tweaking the process to keep fish populations healthy while still letting people enjoy fishing. Comments on these changes are open until May 28, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Rule Effective Immediately April 28, 2026
The rule is effective April 28, 2026, and comments are due by May 28, 2026. Immediate effect lets NMFS set 2026-2027 recreational management measures consistent with this rule so federally permitted for-hire operators and anglers avoid default coastwide measures that would otherwise remain in place.
New Two-Phase Recreational Measures Process
The rule replaces prior procedures with a two-phase Recreational Measures Setting (RMS) Process. Phase 1 uses the recreational harvest limit (RHL) and predicted harvest to set a Recreational Harvest Target (RHT); Phase 2 (beginning with the 2030 specifications cycle) will use the recreational annual catch target (ACT) and total dead catch to set a Recreational Catch Target (RCT).
Recreational Accountability Measures and Payback Rules
If the most recent 3-year average recreational catch exceeds the most recent 3-year average recreational ACL for summer flounder, scup, or black sea bass, accountability measures are triggered. If biomass is below 50% of BMSY or the stock is under rebuilding, the exact pound-for-pound overage is deducted from the recreational ACT (may be spread over 2 years); when biomass is above 50% but below 90% or higher, scaled payback or modified responses apply using a payback coefficient defined as (BMSY - B) divided by one-half of BMSY.
Bluefish Measures Delayed Until 2028
Bluefish will remain managed under its rebuilding plan and will not move to Phase 1 of the RMS Process until 2028. Bluefish will then shift to Phase 2 with the other species in the 2030 specifications cycle.
ASMFC Conservation Equivalency and Default Measures
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will review conservation equivalency proposals and provide approved multi-State or State measures; if a State or multi-State proposal is disapproved, ASMFC will provide precautionary default measures. At ASMFC request, those precautionary default measures could apply to federally permitted party/charter vessels and recreational vessels landing in a State with unapproved measures.
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
2026-04256 — 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 when and where shark fishing is allowed in the Mid-Atlantic and adjust boundaries off Charleston and East Florida to better protect sharks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear with Atlantic HMS permits will need to pay for electronic monitoring if they fish in certain safer zones. These updates help keep shark populations healthy while making fishing smarter and fairer.
2026-09776 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of Adak Pier 5 Improvements Project at Adak Island, Alaska
The Aleut Corporation got permission to do construction work on Pier 5 at the Port of Adak, Alaska, which might accidentally bother some local marine mammals. This project runs for one year starting May 12, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. It’s a big step to improve the port while protecting wildlife and respecting local needs.
2026-09665 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
After a full review, NOAA decided that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon aren’t in danger of disappearing right now, so they won’t be listed as threatened or endangered. This means fishermen and communities can keep enjoying these salmon without new restrictions or costs for now. The decision was announced on May 14, 2026, and NOAA will keep watching to protect these fish if things change.
2026-09699 — North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting from June 9-11, 2026, to review the health of the Eastern Bering Sea Tanner crab population. This affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and communities relying on crab fishing, as the review could lead to changes in fishing rules. The meeting is in Seattle and requires advance registration, signaling careful planning and possible future impacts on crab fishing limits and local economies.
2026-09669 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 12, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using hook-and-line gear by catcher/processors in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to avoid going over the allowed catch limit for the season. This pause lasts until September 1, 2026, helping keep the fish population healthy and the fishing fair. Fishermen using this gear in this area need to plan around this closure to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
2026-09617 — 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 consistent across the Northeast. If approved, these changes will affect fishermen and fishery managers by simplifying some administrative steps without changing catch limits. You’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules could take effect.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08201 — Energy Conservation Program: Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014
The Department of Energy is making it easier for companies by removing some reporting rules for certain power supplies used as service parts. This change mainly affects manufacturers and sellers of these exempt power supplies and starts on May 28, 2026. It cuts red tape without adding costs, helping businesses save time and focus on energy innovation.
Next: 2026-08206 — Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework Adjustment 18 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 27, 2026, commercial summer flounder fishers get more freedom with their net sizes thanks to new rules that tweak mesh size exemptions. This change helps fishermen work smarter without breaking the rules, boosting their flexibility while keeping fish populations safe. If you’re in the Northeastern fishing game, these updates could make your day-to-day a bit easier and more efficient.