Mid-Atlantic Fish Folks: Meeting Time for 2027 Quotas
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from October 6-8, 2026, to discuss fishing rules and plans for 2027. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities will see updates on fishing limits and gear restrictions that could affect their work and wallets. You can join in person or online to stay in the loop and have your say!
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 8 mixed.
Council Reviews 2027 Fishing Rules
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet October 6–8, 2026, in Duck, North Carolina (with a virtual option) to review and possibly change fishing rules and gear restrictions for 2027. Fishermen and seafood businesses can attend in person or online to hear proposals and provide public comment.
Vessel Baseline Restrictions Under Review
On October 6, 2026, the Council will review vessel baseline restrictions and may consider initiating management action. If the Council initiates action, vessel operators could see changes to baseline rules that apply to their boats.
Scup Gear Restricted Areas Considered
The Council will review the Scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs) project, including previous analysis and IRA project results, and will consider potential management action. Any management action could change where certain gear is allowed to be used.
2027 Illex Specifications Reviewed
On October 7, 2026, the Council will review recommendations and previously adopted 2027 Illex (shortfin squid) specifications, including commercial measures, and may revise them as needed. This review could lead to changes that affect commercial Illex fishing in 2027.
NAFO Illex Quota Issues Discussed
The Council will review staff and Scientific and Statistical Committee input on Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Illex quota issues and will decide on next steps. NAFO quota discussions relate to international quota sharing for Illex.
2027 Mackerel & Dogfish Specifications
On October 7, 2026, the Council will review and may revise previously adopted 2027 specifications for Atlantic mackerel and 2027 specifications for spiny dogfish, including commercial measures. Any revisions would apply to commercial and recreational measures as noted on the agenda.
Compensation Fund Designs Presented
The Council agenda includes presentations on draft designs for a regional fisheries compensation fund and a regional offshore wind fisheries compensatory mitigation fund, with public comment opportunities. These fund designs could affect how compensation is administered for fisheries impacts.
Whale Take Reduction Plan Scoping
The Council will review information on the scoping process for potential future modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). This scoping could lead to future changes in measures intended to reduce whale interactions with fishing gear.
Longfin Squid Stock Assessment Overview
The Council will receive an overview of a recently completed Research Track stock assessment for longfin squid on October 7, 2026. This assessment may inform future management decisions for the longfin squid fishery.
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.
2026-19182, Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hardbottom Habitats of the South Atlantic and the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Amendments 11/12
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council wants to open a new shrimp fishing area near the Oculina Bank coral habitat where rock shrimp trawling is now banned. This change aims to bring back historic shrimp fishing spots while protecting deep-water corals. Shrimp fishers and coral conservationists should weigh in by November 17, 2026, as this could impact fishing access and the environment.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19181, Electronic Submission Template for Medical Device Premarket Approval Applications (PMAs); Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Availability
The FDA just dropped a draft guide to help medical device makers submit their big approval applications electronically. This new template aims to make submissions easier, faster, and more consistent for companies working with the FDA’s device and biologics centers. If you’re in the medical device game, check it out and send your feedback by November 17, 2026—no fees or changes yet, just a heads-up for smoother future filings!
Next: 2026-19184, Quarterly Rail Cost Adjustment Factor
The Surface Transportation Board just approved new rail cost numbers that take effect October 1, 2026. These numbers help railroads adjust their prices based on how much it costs them to run trains. If you’re involved in the rail industry, expect updated cost factors that could impact pricing and contracts this quarter.