Federal Register #2026-06366

Regulatory Notice: Bowhead Whale Quota and Skate Wing Fishery Permit Actions

This notice summarizes regulatory and management actions by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the Department of Commerce: - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce - Key Regulatory Actions: - Assignment of a 2026 aboriginal subsistence whaling quota for bowhead whales to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) - Quota set at 93 bowhead whales struck - Governed by International Whaling Commission (IWC) regulations and a cooperative agreement with AEWC - Strict requirements: only licensed whaling captains may participate; calves and whales with calves are protected; sale of whale products is restricted - Quota is shared with Russian Native groups per international agreements - Announcement of a public meeting for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Tilefish Advisory Panel - Consideration of an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for the skate wing fishery - EFP would allow 17 vessels to exceed skate wing possession and landing limits over 650 trips - Purpose: to evaluate economic and ecological benefits of increased trip limits in specific statistical areas - Products/Services Requested: - No commercial products or services are being procured; these are regulatory actions and permits - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Quota and EFP are subject to strict conservation, reporting, and compliance measures - Only designated participants (e.g., AEWC whaling captains, selected skate wing vessels) are eligible - Locations: - Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce, NMFS, Silver Spring, MD - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Office, Dover, DE

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the aboriginal subsistence whaling quota for bowhead whales assigned to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) for 2026. The quota is set at 93 bowhead whales struck, governed by regulations from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). This quota and related limitations regulate the harvest of bowhead whales by licensed whaling captains of the AEWC, ensuring compliance with conservation and subsistence needs.

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