Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-17148
NOAA Temporary Closure of Illex Squid Fishery in Federal Waters
Buyer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Posted
August 21, 2026
Identifier
2026-17148
This notice concerns a regulatory action by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), regarding the Illex squid fishery in Federal waters. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Action: Temporary closure of the directed Illex squid fishery in Federal waters - Reason: Projections indicate 96% of the 2026 domestic annual harvest (DAH) for Illex squid will be reached - Regulatory Basis: Required by the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) regulations - Key Requirements During Closure: - Vessels limited to possessing no more than 10,000 pounds of Illex squid per trip - Only one landing of Illex squid permitted per vessel per calendar day - No OEMs, vendors, products, or services are being procured or awarded as part of this notice - This is a regulatory closure, not a procurement opportunity
Description
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the directed Illex squid fishery in Federal waters effective August 23, 2026, through December 31, 2026, based on a projection that 96 percent of the 2026 domestic annual harvest (DAH) will be harvested. This temporary rule adjusts possession limits to prevent exceeding the 2026 Illex squid annual catch limit. Vessels are restricted to possessing no more than 10,000 pounds of Illex squid per trip and may only land Illex squid once per calendar day during the closure period. The action is necessary to comply with the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) regulations.