Fishery Council Meets to Shape Scallop Rules Ahead
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on June 3, 2026, to plan scallop fishing rules and research priorities for the next few years. Fishermen, researchers, and coastal communities will feel the impact as these decisions shape how scallop fishing is managed and funded. The meeting is open online and in Providence, RI, and could influence future fishing limits and funding from 2027 to 2029.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Research Funding Priorities Set for 2027–2029
On June 3, 2026, the Scallop Committee will develop recommendations for Scallop Research Set-Aside priorities for 2027/2028 and 2028/2029. Fishermen, researchers, and coastal communities may be affected because these recommendations will shape how scallop fishing is managed and funded for 2027–2029.
Framework 42 Measures May Affect Fishing Limits
At the June 2026 meeting the Committee will receive an update on Scallop Framework 42 timeline and provide input on expected measures, and the action will be initiated at the June 2026 Council meeting. These actions could influence future scallop fishing limits and funding for 2027 to 2029.
Public Meeting Access and Participation
The Scallop Committee meeting on June 3, 2026 at 9 a.m. is open online via webinar and in person at Hilton Garden Inn Providence in Providence, RI, and the meeting will be recorded with the recording available on request. This provides a public way for fishermen, researchers, and community members to join and provide input on scallop management and funding decisions.
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.
2026-10119 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Full Coverage Trawl Electronic Monitoring Fee Notice
If you own a trawl fishing vessel in Alaska’s full coverage electronic monitoring program, you’ll pay a tiny fee of 0.12% for the 2025 fishing season. This fee helps cover the cost of electronic monitoring instead of human observers and is due by May 31, 2026. It’s a smart way to keep fishing fair and data accurate while saving money overall.
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.
2026-10106 — 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: 2026-08814 — New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on June 3, 2026, to update rules that help manage fishing risks in New England waters. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities could see changes based on these updates, which aim to keep fishing safe and sustainable. The meeting will shape important decisions that might affect fishing limits and practices this year.
Next: 2026-08816 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, seafood lovers, and coastal communities in the South Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean are invited to join a free online meeting on May 27, 2026, to review important fish population data. This meeting helps experts decide how to keep fish stocks healthy and fishing sustainable, which can affect fishing rules and local economies. The process is open to the public and aims to make sure everyone’s voice is heard before any big changes happen.