New England Fishery Council Holds Three-Day Meeting in Plymouth
Published Date: 8/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a 3-day meeting from September 15-17, 2026, in Plymouth, MA, with online options. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities will hear updates and discuss new rules for managing local fisheries. This meeting could impact fishing limits and industry practices, helping protect fish stocks and support the economy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Atlantic Herring Specs Decision
If you participate in the Atlantic herring fishery, the Council will take final action to set Atlantic herring specifications for Fishing Years (FY) 2027–2031 at its September 15–17, 2026 meeting. That action could change catch limits or management measures for the Atlantic herring fishery starting in those fishing years.
Scallop Specs and Days-at-Sea Allocation
If you fish scallops, the Council will review scallop specifications for Fishing Years 2027 and 2028 (default) and consider Framework 42 measures to create sub-management units in the Northern Gulf of Maine and regional allocations of Limited Access Days‑at‑Sea. These actions could change how scallop catch is managed and how Days‑at‑Sea are allocated among regions.
Vessel Baseline Restrictions Evaluation
The Council will receive a staff report evaluating vessel baseline restrictions across New England and Mid‑Atlantic limited access fisheries during the September 2026 meeting. This evaluation could lead to future changes in baseline restrictions that affect limited access vessels' operating conditions.
2026 Essential Fish Habitat Framework
The Council will take final action on the 2026 Essential Fish Habitat Framework at the September 16, 2026 meeting. Adoption of the framework could result in habitat protections that affect where and how fishing activities take place.
Large Whale Take Reduction Scoping
The Council will hear GARFO staff on scoping for future Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan rulemaking at the September 17, 2026 meeting. That scoping may lead to rulemaking that affects gear, seasons, or areas for fisheries to reduce whale entanglements.
11‑State Regional Fisheries Compensation Draft
The Council will review a presentation on the draft design of the 11‑State Regional Fund Administration fisheries compensation program and discuss opportunities for public comment on September 17, 2026. The program draft concerns a fisheries compensation mechanism covering an 11‑state region and could affect eligible fishery participants if implemented.
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