New Catch Rules for Yellowtail Flounder and Northeast Groundfish
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS issues this interim final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 72 (Framework 72) to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), specifically to implement status determination criteria for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, set catch limits for multispecies (groundfish) stocks, and revise the process for setting recreational measures for Atlantic cod and haddock. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and to achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. The measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
2026 U.S./Canada shared quotas changed
Framework 72 approves shared U.S./Canada quotas for 2026 for eastern Georges Bank cod, eastern Georges Bank haddock, and Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. Compared to 2025, the 2026 U.S. quotas represent an 84% increase for eastern GB cod, a 36% decrease for eastern GB haddock, and a 68% decrease for GB yellowtail flounder. Overages of the U.S. quota for these shared stocks will be deducted from the U.S. quota in the following fishing year.
Multiyear catch limits 2026–2030 set
Framework 72 adopts catch specifications and catch limits (including OFLs and ABCs) for multiple groundfish stocks for fishing year 2026 and projections for 2026–2030. Specifications for GB cod, GB haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder apply for 2026; other stocks have specifications through 2030. These catch limits are being implemented now as part of this interim final rule.
Sector buffer removed for 2026 (more quota)
Because the at-sea monitoring coverage target for 2026 is 100 percent, the rule removes the management uncertainty buffer for sector sub-ACLs (except SNE cod) for the entire 2026 fishing year, increasing sector allocations. NMFS estimates sector groundfish revenues could increase by up to $1.8 million from removal of this buffer alone.
Avoids short-term quota leasing costs
Implementing Framework 72 immediately prevents continued reliance on default 75% specifications and reduces the need for fishermen to lease quota at current (potentially high) lease prices. The rule explains that lease payments made while waiting for higher allocations are generally not recoverable and that faster implementation avoids those temporary costs and lost fishing opportunity.
New stock criteria for yellowtail
The rule incorporates updated status determination criteria (SDC) and numeric estimates for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder based on the 2025 stock assessments and the Woods Hole Assessment Model. This replaces the previous “unknown” SDCs for this stock and is now part of how catch advice and limits are set.
Recreational cod/haddock rulemaking changes
The Regional Administrator may now set recreational measures (season, minimum size, possession limits) for cod and haddock stocks that do not have a recreational sub-ACL (GB haddock, GB cod, and eastern GB cod), after consulting with the New England Fishery Management Council. Measures can be set to align with other stock areas and may be published prior to the start of the fishing year when possible; separate measures can apply to private and charter/party components.
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