Federal Register #2026-05990

NOAA/NMFS Regulatory Services for Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management (2026-2027)

NOAA, through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is implementing Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan for fishing years 2026 and 2027. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - OEMs and Vendors: - NOAA/NMFS (no commercial OEMs or vendors specified) - Products/Services Requested: - Regulatory and management services for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery - Establishment of catch limits, days-at-sea (DAS) allocations, and area management measures - Implementation of annual deductions from Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) for research set-aside (RSA) and industry-funded observer programs - Specific allocations: - 1.275 million pounds of scallops annually for RSA - One percent of ABC for observer coverage - 36 DAS for full-time limited access vessels in 2026 - 1.325 million-lb ACL for LAGC IFQ vessels in 2026 - NGOM TAL of 482,753 lb for 2026 - 2027 allocations set at 75% of 2026 levels as a precaution - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Modifies area designations, including opening Elephant Trunk and Area I as open areas and maintaining closures of Nantucket Lightship areas - Prohibits certain harvests in rotational areas to protect juvenile scallops and prevent overfishing - Annual review and adjustment of specifications - No specific commercial products, part numbers, or hardware/software solutions are requested; the opportunity is focused on regulatory and management services.

Description

This interim final rule by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. It establishes specifications for fishing years 2026 and 2027, including days-at-sea, allocations, and area designations to optimize yield and protect juvenile scallops. The rule aims to prevent overfishing and improve resource yield-per-recruit and fishery management. The rule is effective April 1, 2026, with comments due by April 27, 2026.

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