Federal Register #2026-11986

NOAA Final Rule: 2026 Catch Limits for Mid-Atlantic Tilefish Fisheries

This regulatory action from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sets 2026 catch limits for Mid-Atlantic golden tilefish and blueline tilefish fisheries. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement action - Products/Services Requested: - Not applicable; the rule establishes fishery management specifications, not a purchase of goods or services - Key Details: - Sets 2026 total allowable landings (TAL) for blueline tilefish: - Commercial TAL: 109,846 lb - Recreational TAL: 323,504 lb - Sets 2026 TAL for golden tilefish: - Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) TAL: 1,728,590 lb - Incidental TAL: 68,949 lb - Maintains previously projected quotas for golden tilefish - Increases allowable landings for blueline tilefish - Outlines permit and reporting requirements for vessels - Implements measures to prevent overfishing and ensure optimum yield - No procurement, OEMs, or vendors are referenced, as this is a regulatory fisheries management rule

Description

This final rule implements specifications for the 2026 fishing year for the golden tilefish and blueline tilefish fisheries north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. It establishes allowable harvest levels and management measures to prevent overfishing while allowing optimum yield, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan. The rule includes increased catch limits for blueline tilefish and maintains previously projected specifications for golden tilefish. It also outlines permit requirements and reporting for vessels fishing recreationally or commercially for these species.

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