NOAAFinal Rule
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States: Atlantic Herring Fishery; 2026 Management Area 1B Possession Limit Adjustment
AgricultureEnvironment
Ad Space (leaderboard)
Summary
This federal rule adjusts how many Atlantic herring fish commercial fishermen can catch and keep in a specific northeastern ocean area (Management Area 1B) during 2026. The change helps manage the herring population to ensure the fishery remains sustainable and doesn't deplete this important fish species that feeds both people and wildlife.
Key Points
- 1Commercial fishing boats in the northeastern Atlantic are getting new limits on how much Atlantic herring they can catch and possess in Management Area 1B during 2026
- 2Atlantic herring is an important food fish for both human consumption and as bait for other fisheries, as well as food for whales, seals, and seabirds
- 3The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sets these catch limits each year based on fish population surveys to prevent overfishing
- 4Fishing companies and boat operators in Maine, Massachusetts, and other northeastern states need to follow these new possession limits or face penalties
- 5The rule took effect in January 2026 and applies only to herring fishing in the specific 1B management zone
Key Dates
Published
January 12, 2026
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.
The Digest Network
Ad Space (rectangle)