Federal Register #Docket No. 1206013412-2517-02

Regulatory Closures for Fisheries and Maritime Safety Enforcement in 2026

This notice provides regulatory updates from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Coast Guard for fisheries and maritime safety in 2026: - Government Buyers: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Department of Commerce - U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security - Regulatory Actions (not procurement): - NMFS will close the 2026 commercial fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of America after the annual catch target is reached - Prohibits commercial harvest, sale, or purchase of greater amberjack from Gulf Federal waters during the closure period, except for fish already harvested and held in cold storage - Implemented under 50 CFR Part 622 - NMFS will close the Angling category Gulf of Maine trophy Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery for large medium and giant fish to prevent overharvest - U.S. Coast Guard will enforce safety zones in the Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes zone for maritime events in August 2026 - No OEMs, vendors, products, or purchase quantities are involved, as these are regulatory closures and safety enforcement actions - Notable Requirements: - Closures are based on reaching annual catch targets or subquotas to protect fishery resources - Safety zones are enforced to protect life and property during maritime events

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the 2026 commercial fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of America. This closure is required because landings are projected to reach the commercial annual catch target by August 5, 2026. The closure will be effective from August 8, 2026, through December 31, 2026, to protect the greater amberjack resource in the Gulf. During this period, the sale or purchase of greater amberjack taken from Gulf Federal waters is prohibited, except for fish harvested and sold prior to the closure and held in cold storage.

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