Federal Register #2026-08172

Allocation of 2026 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements (ACE) and Default Specifications

This opportunity involves the allocation of Northeast multispecies annual catch entitlements (ACE) for the 2026 fishing year by the Department of Commerce, NOAA, and NMFS. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Products/Services Requested: - Allocation of annual catch entitlements (ACE) for Northeast multispecies - Applies to approved groundfish sectors and state-operated permit banks - Based on annual catch limits (ACL) set in Framework Adjustment 69 or default specifications - Covers 11 stocks set by default per regulations - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Rule allows limited access permit holders to continue sector operations - Details sector operations plan requirements - Outlines monitoring program options (at-sea or electronic monitoring) - Lists previously approved exemptions for sector vessels - No specific product or service vendors are named - Key Location: - NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) is the source for supporting documents - Period of Performance: - Effective May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027 - Default catch limits effective May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026; sectors prohibited from fishing in expired areas after November 1, 2026, if no further action is taken

Description

This final rule allocates Northeast multispecies annual catch entitlements (ACE) to approved groundfish sectors and permit banks for the 2026 fishing year based on annual catch limits set in Framework Adjustment 69 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan or default specifications. It provides notice of default specifications for 11 stocks and aims to allow limited access permit holders to continue operating sectors. The rule is effective from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, with default catch limits effective from May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026. If no subsequent action is taken by October 31, 2026, sectors will be prohibited from fishing in stock areas with expired default catch limits starting November 1, 2026.

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