Federal Register #2026-17228

Temporary Commercial Closure for Atlantic Spanish Mackerel in the Northern Zone of the Atlantic EEZ

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is implementing a temporary commercial closure for Atlantic Spanish mackerel in the northern zone of the Atlantic EEZ. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Regional Office - Regulatory Action: - Temporary closure of commercial harvest and sale of Atlantic Spanish mackerel in the northern zone - Closure triggered by projected landings reaching the revised commercial quota of 912,670 lb for the 2026-2027 fishing year - Recreational harvest remains permitted under bag limits - No procurement of products or services; no OEMs, vendors, part numbers, or purchase quantities involved - Notable Requirement: - Closure aims to protect the fishery resource by preventing overharvest - Period of Performance: - Closure effective from August 25, 2026, through February 28, 2027

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements an accountability measure for the commercial harvest of the Atlantic migratory group of Spanish mackerel in the northern zone of the Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Landings are projected to reach the revised commercial quota for the 2026-2027 fishing year, prompting NMFS to close the northern zone for commercial harvest to protect the fishery resource. The closure is effective from August 25, 2026, through February 28, 2027. During this period, commercial harvest is prohibited, but recreational harvest under specified limits may continue if not closed.

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