Opportunity
Federal Register #Docket No. 260413-0097
NOAA/NMFS Proposed Rule to Remove Indicator Species Regulations for Atlantic HMS Fisheries
Buyer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Posted
April 17, 2026
Respond By
May 29, 2026
Identifier
Docket No. 260413-0097
NAICS
114111, 114119
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing regulatory changes for the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) pelagic and bottom longline fisheries. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), HMS Management Division - Scope of Proposed Rule: - Remove regulations and the list of pelagic and demersal indicator species from HMS regulations - Eliminate the 5-percent weight limit on indicator species catch - Increase fishing flexibility and efficiency for HMS permit holders (Swordfish Directed, Shark Directed, Atlantic Tunas Longline) - Allow retention of more HMS and non-HMS species (e.g., grouper, snapper, tilefish) - Impacted Stakeholders: - Fishermen holding Atlantic HMS fishing permits using pelagic and bottom longline gear - Notable Requirements: - Compliance with existing fishery management laws and regulations - Public comments are solicited on the proposed rule - No specific products, part numbers, or OEMs are requested or mentioned - Place of Performance: - Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America - Federal waters off South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia (between 33°00' N lat. and 36°30' N lat.)
Description
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to amend regulations concerning pelagic and demersal indicator species in the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) pelagic and bottom longline fisheries. The proposal seeks to remove existing regulations and the list of indicator species from the HMS regulations to increase fishing flexibility, eliminate regulatory inefficiencies, and optimize quota harvests while maintaining conservation goals. This change directly affects fishermen holding Atlantic HMS fishing permits using pelagic and bottom longline gear. Public comments are requested by May 29, 2026, with a public hearing scheduled for May 21, 2026.