Federal Register #2026-17109

NMFS Commercial Closure for Scamp and Yellowmouth Grouper in South Atlantic Federal Waters

This notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, announces a regulatory action affecting commercial fishing in South Atlantic Federal waters. - Government buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), NOAA, Department of Commerce - No OEMs or vendors are involved; this is not a procurement opportunity - No products or services are requested - Key regulatory details: - Commercial closure for scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex due to projected landings reaching the annual catch limit (ACL) - Sale or purchase of these species is prohibited for the commercial sector - Harvest and possession are restricted to recreational bag and possession limits - Action is part of federal regulations (CFR Part 622, Title 50) to prevent overfishing - No procurement-relevant requirements, products, or services are included

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements an accountability measure for the commercial harvest of the scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex in South Atlantic Federal waters. Commercial landings are projected to reach the annual catch limit (ACL) for 2026, prompting a closure of the commercial sector to prevent overfishing. This temporary rule prohibits the sale or purchase of these species and limits harvest and possession to recreational bag and possession limits. The closure is effective from August 24, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

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