Squid Too Many: Illex Fishery Slammed Shut Early.
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS is closing the directed Illex squid fishery in Federal waters based on a projection that 96 percent of the 2026 domestic annual harvest (DAH) will be harvested. This closure is effective 0001 hour (hr) local time on August 23, 2026, through 2400 hr local time on December 31, 2026. This action is necessary to comply with the regulations implementing the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and is intended to prevent the 2026 Illex squid annual catch limit from being exceeded.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed fishery closed Aug–Dec 2026
NMFS is closing the directed Illex squid fishery in Federal waters effective 0001 local time on August 23, 2026, through 2400 local time on December 31, 2026 because a projection showed 96 percent of the 2026 domestic annual harvest (DAH) will be harvested. The 2026 Illex squid DAH was set at 38,631 metric tons and the closure is intended to prevent the annual catch limit from being exceeded.
Vessel trip possession limits imposed
From 0001 local time on August 23, 2026, through 2400 local time on December 31, 2026, vessels may not fish for, possess, or land more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) of Illex squid at any time per trip and may only land Illex squid once per calendar day. These limits apply while the directed Illex squid fishery is closed under the Fishery Management Plan rules.
Dealer purchase limit after Aug 23
From 0001 local time on August 23, 2026, through 2400 local time on December 31, 2026, federally permitted dealers may not purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial purpose more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) of Illex squid from a vessel unless the vessel entered port before 0001 local time on August 23, 2026. Dealers may continue to handle larger landings only from vessels that entered port before that cutoff.
Exception for pre-cutoff moratorium trips
Vessels issued an Illex squid moratorium permit that enter port before 0001 local time on August 23, 2026, may land and sell more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) of Illex squid from that trip. The exception applies only to those permit holders and trips that reach port before the deadline.
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