New England Council Meets on Scallop Fishing Rules
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 27, 2026, to set fishing rules for scallops in 2027 and 2028. This affects fishermen in New England’s waters by deciding how many days they can fish, catch limits, and special access areas. These decisions help protect scallops while supporting the fishing community’s future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Catch limits (ABCs/ACLs) set for 2027
You fish in New England waters: the Council will set Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) for fishing year 2027 (and default specifications for 2028) during the October 27, 2026 meeting. Those catch limit decisions determine how much scallop catch is allowed for the 2027 fishing year.
Days-at-sea allocations determined
If you fish scallops in New England waters, the Council will decide days-at-sea allocations for the 2027 fishing year (and default specifications for 2028) at the October 27, 2026 meeting. These allocations determine how many days vessels are allowed to fish during the year.
Access area allocations and special areas
You fish in New England: the Council will consider the range of potential access area allocations and special access areas for the 2027 fishing year (and default 2028 specifications) during the October 27, 2026 meeting. These decisions determine which areas of the EEZ will be open or restricted to scallop fishing.
Total allowable landings for Northern Gulf of Maine
If you fish in the Northern Gulf of Maine management area, the Council will set the total allowable landings for the 2027 fishing year (and default 2028 specifications) at the October 27, 2026 meeting. This determines the total scallop landings allowed in that specific management area.
General Category incidental catch and trips targets
If you participate in the General Category scallop fishery, the Council will set targets for incidental catch and General Category access area trips for the 2027 fishing year (and default 2028 specifications) during the October 27, 2026 meeting. These targets affect how often and how much incidental scallop catch the General Category can take.
Observer and research program set-asides
The Council will set aside portions of the 2027 scallop specifications for observer and research programs (and default specifications for 2028) at the October 27, 2026 meeting. These set-asides allocate part of the allowable catch to monitoring and research activities.
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: 2026-21017, Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, scientists, and fish lovers in the South Atlantic are invited to join a free online meeting on October 30, 2026, to review the health of Red Snapper fish. This meeting is part of a careful process to make sure fishing rules keep fish populations safe and strong. No money changes hands now, but the results could shape future fishing rules and protect jobs and ocean life.
Next: 2026-21020, New Postal Products
The Postal Regulatory Commission is reviewing new deals the Postal Service wants to add or change for competitive mail products. This affects businesses and customers who use special postal services, with opportunities to comment before decisions are made. No immediate price changes are announced, but these updates could impact how certain mail services work soon.