Fishermen Cheer: Cheaper, Simpler Scallop and Tilefish Fees Ahead
Published Date: 9/11/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 13, 2026, fishermen in the Atlantic Sea Scallop, Golden Tilefish, and Surfclam/Ocean Quahog catch share programs will see simpler rules and lower costs. These updates make managing fishing quotas easier and ensure fees fairly cover program costs without exceeding 3% of fish value. If you’re part of these programs, get ready for smoother sailing and timely fee payments to keep your permits active!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Billing standardized to Net 30 timeline
NMFS will mail cost recovery bills within 6 months after the end of each cost recovery period and payment will be due within 30 days of the bill date for all three GARFO LAPPs. Previously, Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ bills were due in 30 days, Golden Tilefish IFQ in 45 days, and Atlantic Sea Scallop IFQ in 60 days; the scallop cost recovery year runs October 1 through September 31 (bills sent before the end of the following March) and the other two follow the calendar year (bills sent before the end of the following June).
Permit renewal requires prior fee payment
Permit holders in these LAPPs cannot renew their permits until the previous year's cost recovery fee is paid, consistent with the regulations cited at 50 CFR 648.53(h)(4)(iii), 648.74(c)(6)(iii)(C)(1), and 648.294(h)(5)(vi). This requirement remains in effect and applies to Atlantic Sea Scallop IFQ, Golden Tilefish IFQ, and Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ permit holders.
Small bills under $25 are waived
If you hold a permit in the Atlantic Sea Scallop IFQ, Golden Tilefish IFQ, or Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ programs, NMFS will waive cost recovery bills that are under $25. Amounts under $25 will be rolled into the following year's cost recovery accounting so GARFO still collects total program costs over time.
Electronic payment required with options
Cost recovery payments must be made electronically via the Federal web portal (https://www.pay.gov) or other internet sites designated by the Regional Administrator, with payment options including credit card or direct ACH withdrawal. NMFS may allow payment by check only if it has determined electronic payment is not possible (for example, if an area is affected by catastrophic conditions).
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.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18602, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
If you own or operate a Dassault Falcon 2000 airplane, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules that make maintenance checks tougher and more detailed to keep your flight safe. These new rules kick in on October 16, 2026, so get ready to update your maintenance plans—this helps avoid costly problems down the runway!
Next: 2026-18612, Medical Devices; Cardiovascular Devices; Classification of the Cardiovascular Machine Learning-Based Notification Software
The FDA is officially putting cardiovascular machine learning notification software into a safer, easier-to-manage category called Class II. This change helps make sure the software is safe and effective while speeding up patient access to cool new heart health tech. The new rules took effect on September 11, 2026, but have been in place since August 3, 2023, making life simpler for developers and patients alike.