Federal Register #NOAA-NMFS-2026-0727

NOAA Proposes Increased Catch Limits for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public input on a proposed rule to revise catch limits for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Regional Office (SERO) - Products/Services Requested: - Regulatory adjustment of blueline tilefish catch limits (no physical products or services procured) - Increase of total annual catch limit (ACL) for blueline tilefish from 233,968 lb to 314,058 lb - Commercial sector ACL: 157,249 lb - Recreational sector ACL: 156,809 lb - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Action is based on updated scientific stock assessments (SEDAR 92) - Aims to prevent overfishing, achieve optimum yield, and minimize adverse social/economic impacts - Applies to all commercial, for-hire, and recreational fishing entities targeting blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ - No OEMs, vendors, equipment, or part numbers are referenced; this is a regulatory management action

Description

NMFS proposes regulations to implement Abbreviated Framework Amendment 5 under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The rule revises catch levels for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone to ensure catch levels are based on the best scientific information available, to achieve and maintain optimum yield, and to prevent overfishing while minimizing adverse social and economic effects. The amendment increases the total annual catch limit and sector allocations for commercial and recreational fishing. Public comments are requested by August 12, 2026.

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