Red Hake, Monkfish, and Lobster Face Another Five-Year Rulebook
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on November 19, 2026, to discuss fishing rules for 2027-2031 that affect local fishermen and seafood businesses. They’ll review last year’s fish catch data and decide on new limits for red hake, monkfish, and lobster to keep fish populations healthy. This meeting could shape fishing rules that impact how much seafood can be caught and sold in the coming years.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
2027–2031 catch limit decisions
The Council will review Scientific and Statistical Committee recommendations for catch limit specifications for 2027 through 2031, based on a fishery performance report for fishing year 2025. If adopted, these 2027–2031 catch limit specifications would govern how much of various species can be caught in the New England exclusive economic zone over that five-year period.
Possession limits for red hake, monkfish, lobster
The Committee will develop recommendations for preferred alternatives on possession limits for red hake, monkfish, and lobster in the Cultivator Shoals Area for Council consideration. Changes to these possession limits would change how much of those species fishermen may hold and sell when operating in that specific area.
Southern red hake in-season trigger review
The Committee will consider a southern red hake in-season accountability measure trigger as part of its recommendations. An in-season trigger can lead to management actions during the fishing year if monitoring shows the trigger is met.
Draft 2027 and 2028 Council priorities
The Committee will discuss the draft 2027 Council Priorities and may develop potential management priorities for 2028 and beyond. Those priorities will shape which management actions the Council pursues in future rulemaking and meetings.
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