Blueline Tilefish Commercial Season Shut in South Atlantic
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS implements an accountability measure for the commercial harvest of blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS estimates that commercial landings of blueline tilefish will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for the 2026 fishing year. Accordingly, NMFS closes the commercial sector of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ to protect the blueline tilefish resource from overfishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Commercial Sale of Blueline Tilefish Halted
If you commercially harvest or buy blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ), all sale or purchase of blueline tilefish is prohibited from August 24, 2026, through December 31, 2026, because commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit of 117,148 pounds (53,137 kilograms).
Possession Limited to Recreational Limits Aboard Permitted Vessels
During the closure (August 24, 2026, through December 31, 2026), harvest or possession of blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits, and those limits apply on board any vessel that holds a valid Federal commercial or charter/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, regardless of whether the fish were caught in State or Federal waters.
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Key Dates
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