Opportunity
Federal Register #Docket No. 260323-0088
NMFS Proposes 2026-2028 Catch and Possession Limits for Northeast Skate Fishery
Buyer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Posted
March 26, 2026
Respond By
April 10, 2026
Identifier
Docket No. 260323-0088
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, is proposing new specifications for the Northeast skate fishery for fishing years 2026 through 2028. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Scope of Action: - Sets annual catch limits (ACL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), and total allowable landings (TAL) for seven skate species: barndoor, clearnose, little, rosette, smooth, thorny, and winter - Applies to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan - Catch and Possession Limits: - 2026 & 2027: ABC and ACL at 41,282 metric tons; TAL at 20,966 mt (wing TAL: 13,943 mt; bait TAL: 7,024 mt) - 2028: ABC and ACL at 37,154 mt; TAL at 18,800 mt (wing TAL: 12,502 mt; bait TAL: 6,298 mt) - Skate wing possession limits increased to 4,500 lb for Season 1 (May 1–Aug 31) and 6,500 lb for Season 2 (Sep 1–Apr 30) - Skate bait possession limit increased from 25,000 lb to 30,000 lb per trip - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Specifications are based on updated scientific data and aim to provide operational flexibility while preventing overfishing - Economic benefits anticipated for both small and large commercial fishing entities - Projected specifications for 2027 and 2028 will be reviewed and may be adjusted prior to each fishing year - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is a regulatory action, not a product or service procurement
Description
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes specifications for the Northeast skate fishery for 2026 through 2028. This includes setting skate catch limits for 2026, projecting limits for 2027 and 2028, and increasing per trip possession limits for the wing and bait fisheries. The action aims to align catch limits with the latest scientific data while providing operational flexibility to fishery participants. Public comments are requested by April 10, 2026.