No More Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Northern Atlantic—Quota Kaput
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the commercial harvest of the Atlantic migratory group of Spanish mackerel in the northern zone of the Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ). NMFS projects that landings will soon reach the revised commercial quota for Spanish mackerel in the northern zone of the Atlantic EEZ for the 2026-2027 fishing year. In accordance with the regulations for the Atlantic migratory group of Spanish mackerel, NMFS closes the northern zone for commercial harvest to protect this fishery resource.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Northern Zone: Commercial Harvest Closed
If you fish commercially for Atlantic Spanish mackerel in the northern zone (New York through North Carolina), commercial harvest in that zone is closed from August 25, 2026, through February 28, 2027 because projected landings will reach the revised commercial quota of 912,670 lb (413,980 kg).
Sale Ban on Northern Zone Spanish Mackerel
You may not buy or sell Atlantic Spanish mackerel from the northern zone while the commercial closure is in effect (August 25, 2026 through February 28, 2027). The ban does not apply to fish from the northern zone that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the closure and that are held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
250,000 lb Quota Transfer Changed Zone Limits
Florida requested and NMFS approved transfer of 250,000 lb (113,398 kg) of Atlantic Spanish mackerel commercial quota from the southern to the northern zone on July 20, 2026. For the 2026-2027 fishing year, the revised northern zone quota is 912,670 lb (413,980 kg) and the revised southern zone quota is 2,417,330 lb (1,096,482 kg).
Permit Holders May Keep Recreational Limits
If you are on a vessel with a valid Federal commercial permit for Atlantic Spanish mackerel, you may continue to retain Spanish mackerel from the northern zone during the commercial closure but only up to the recreational bag and possession limits in 50 CFR 622.382(a), and only if recreational harvest in the northern zone remains open.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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