Tilefish Harvest Quotas Set for Mid-Atlantic Waters
Published Date: 6/15/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 15, 2026, new fishing rules set how many golden and blueline tilefish can be caught north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. These limits help keep fish populations healthy while supporting both commercial and recreational fishers. If you fish or sell these tilefish, get ready for updated catch limits that balance fun, food, and the future!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Big Increase in Blueline Tilefish Quotas
Starting June 15, 2026, blueline tilefish catch limits north of the North Carolina/Virginia border increase sharply: the commercial total allowable landings (TAL) rises by 426% to 109,846 lb (49.8 mt) and the recreational TAL rises by 350% to 323,504 lb (146.7 mt). The acceptable biological catch (ABC) is set at 452,200 lb (205.1 mt), and NMFS estimates this increased commercial TAL could authorize about $454,000 in commercial blueline tilefish value for 2026 (compared with about $67,000 in 2024).
Trip Limits and Possession Caps for Non-IFQ Vessels
Non-IFQ Federal commercial tilefish vessels remain prohibited from possessing more than 500 lb (227 kg) of gutted golden tilefish at any time (or 50% by weight of all species landed, whichever is less) and from possessing more than 500 lb (227 kg) of gutted blueline tilefish per trip; the Regional Administrator may reduce the blueline possession limit to 300 lb (136 kg) if 70% of the commercial TAL is landed. These limits do not apply to vessels authorized under Tilefish IFQ permits.
Small Overage Deduction Applied to Commercial Blueline ACL
NMFS applied a 43-lb (20 kg) overage deduction to the 2026 blueline tilefish commercial annual catch limit (ACL) based on final 2025 landings data; the adjusted 2026 commercial ACL is 121,051 lb (54.9 mt). The proposed rule had used a larger preliminary overage number, but the final deduction implemented is 43 lb (20 kg).
Golden Tilefish Specs Remain the Same
For 2026, golden tilefish specifications north of the North Carolina/Virginia border remain unchanged from 2025: ABC and ACL are set at 1,878,338 lb (852.0 mt), IFQ ACT is 1,733,109 lb (786.1 mt), IFQ TAL is 1,728,590 lb (784.1 mt), and incidental TAL is 68,949 lb (31.3 mt). NMFS states there is no new biological information or ACL overages requiring changes, so the fishery continues under the projected 2026 specifications.
Permits and Trip Reports Required for Recreational Vessels
Recreational vessels targeting golden or blueline tilefish must have the appropriate Federal vessel permit: Charter/Party Tilefish Permit for for-hire boats or Private Recreational Tilefish Permit for private vessels, and both permit types require submission of vessel trip reports. Recreational management measures themselves are unchanged for 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2026-18627, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11976, Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes to fix seat frames that were put together without the right glue (Loctite), which could be unsafe. Owners must modify the seat fasteners by July 20, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix might cost some money but keeps passengers secure and planes in top shape.
Next: 2026-11987, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; 2026 and Projected 2027 and 2028 Specifications
Starting June 15, 2026, new skate fishing rules kick in for the Northeast U.S. These rules set catch limits for 2026 and projections for 2027 and 2028, while letting fishers keep more skate wings and bait per trip. This helps protect skate populations and gives fishers more freedom to work smart and steady.