Council Meeting Set for Atlantic Herring Fishing Plans
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on May 21, 2026, to talk about rules for Atlantic herring and river herring fishing from 2027 to 2031. Fishermen, local communities, and seafood lovers will feel the impact as these decisions could change fishing limits and protect fish populations. The meeting is online and in Gloucester, MA, and could influence fishing rules and local economies for years to come.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Atlantic Herring 2027–2031 Specs Discussed
On May 21, 2026, the Herring Committee will discuss Atlantic herring specifications for 2027–2031 and will forward recommendations to the full Council. If you are involved in New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), this discussion could lead to future Council actions that affect fishing rules for Atlantic herring.
River Herring and Shad Management Measures
The Committee will also discuss river herring and shad management measures at the May 21, 2026 meeting and may make recommendations to the Council. People and businesses fishing or managing river herring and shad in New England's EEZ may see future regulatory changes as a result of these recommendations.
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
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
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 shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-10096 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Starting June 22, 2026, fishermen targeting Atlantic tunas, billfish, swordfish, and sharks can no longer keep mobulid rays if they catch them. Instead, they must release these rays carefully and unharmed, following new handling rules. This change helps protect mobulid rays and follows international agreements, with no big costs expected for fishers.
2026-10065 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Prohibited Species Donation Program
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) renewed permits for SeaShare, a nonprofit that donates Pacific salmon and halibut caught accidentally during Alaska groundfish fishing. This means SeaShare can keep distributing these fish to food banks and hunger relief groups from May 2026 through May 2029. Fishermen, nonprofits, and food banks benefit, with no new costs but a continued boost to fighting hunger using fish that would otherwise go unused.
2026-10106 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco got permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing in San Francisco Bay, which might bother some marine mammals nearby. This approval lasts for one year starting May 14, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. The project helps improve ferry service but must carefully protect local sea life during work.
2026-10101 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 18, 2026, catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their allowed catch limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08616 — Certain Active Electrical Cables and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review Two Initial Determinations Terminating the Investigation as to the Remaining Respondents Based on Settlement; Termination of the Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission has ended its investigation into certain active electrical cables after Molex and TE Connectivity settled their disputes. This means the case is officially closed for these companies, saving time and legal hassle. If you’re involved with these products, expect smoother business ahead with no new trade restrictions.
Next: 2026-08618 — New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Councils are hosting three fun and important webinars in late May 2026 to talk about new rules for fishing boats. Fishermen, advisors, and the public can join, share ideas, and help shape how vessel limits might change. If you care about fishing and the ocean, mark your calendar and send in your comments by May 29 to have your voice heard!