NOAAFinal Rule

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States: 2025-2026 Specifications for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

AgricultureEnvironment

Summary

This federal regulation sets fishing limits and rules for mackerel, squid, and butterfish in northeastern U.S. waters for 2025-2026 to ensure these fish populations don't get overfished and remain available for future generations. The rules affect commercial and recreational fishermen, seafood businesses, and consumers who buy these products.

Key Points

  • 1The government is establishing catch limits (how much fish can be caught) for mackerel, squid, and butterfish in the Atlantic Ocean near the northeastern United States
  • 2These rules apply to both commercial fishing operations that sell their catch and recreational fishermen who fish for personal use
  • 3The regulations aim to protect fish populations from being overfished so the species can stay healthy and productive long-term
  • 4Fishing businesses and individual fishermen must follow the new catch limits or face penalties
  • 5These limits may affect seafood prices and availability in stores, since they control how much of these fish can be harvested and sold

Key Dates

Published

September 23, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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