Squid Season Slammed Shut: 96% Quota Means No More Illex Grabs
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.
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.
2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17146, Inflation Adjustment for EOIR OBBBA Fees; Fiscal Year 2027
The Department of Justice ("Department") is making inflationary adjustments to immigration-related fees for filings with the Executive Office for Immigration Review ("EOIR") as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for Fiscal Year ("FY") 2027.
Next: 2026-17154, Income Taxes