Feds Set New Catch Limits for Squid and Butterfish
Published Date: 7/9/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting August 10, 2026, new fishing rules set how much chub mackerel, squid, and butterfish can be caught to keep fish populations healthy. These changes affect fishermen and businesses in the Northeast, aiming to prevent overfishing while supporting a $45 million fishery industry. The rules also look ahead to 2027 and 2028, making sure fishing stays sustainable for years to come.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
New 2026-2028 Catch Limits Start
Starting August 10, 2026, NOAA implements final 2026 and projected 2027-2028 specifications that set how much chub mackerel, Illex and longfin squid, and butterfish can be caught to prevent overfishing. The fisheries managed under this plan supported $45.2 million in commercial revenues in 2024.
Chub Mackerel Limits Remain Unchanged
For 2026 (and projected 2027-2028), chub mackerel catch limits remain the same as 2025: ABC = 2,300 metric tons (mt); ACL = 2,262 mt; ACT = 2,171 mt; TAL = 2,041 mt.
Illex Squid Limits Remain Unchanged
For 2026 (and projected 2027-2028), Illex squid specifications remain: ABC = 40,000 mt; commercial discard set-aside = 1,369 mt (3.42%); IOY = 38,631 mt; RSA = 0; DAH/DAP = 38,631 mt.
Longfin Squid Specs and Quota Schedule Reaffirmed
The 2026 longfin squid specifications are reaffirmed: ABC = 23,400 mt; commercial discard set-aside = 506.3 mt; IOY = 22,893.7 mt; DAH/DAP = 22,893.7 mt. Trimester quota allocations are I (Jan–Apr) 43% = 9,844.3 mt; II (May–Aug) 17% = 3,891.9 mt; III (Sep–Dec) 40% = 9,157.5 mt.
Butterfish Limits Reduced but Likely Not Binding
The 2026 butterfish specifications reduce ABC/ACL/ACT by 19% and DAH by 29% relative to 2025. Key numbers: OFL = 14,224 mt; ABC/ACL/ACT = 13,842 mt; DAH = 8,051 mt; closure threshold = 7,051 mt; butterfish cap in the longfin squid fishery = 3,884 mt. Recent annual landings (2019–2024) were 718–3,442 mt, and annual catch was 3,874–5,394 mt (6.2–24.5% of DAH and 16.8–32.3% of ACL), so NMFS does not expect these reductions to be limiting for the fishery.
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