Federal Register #2026-18623

Atlantic Bluefish quota transfer and cost recovery program updates by NMFS

This opportunity concerns regulatory actions by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, affecting Atlantic fisheries management. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory quota transfer and administrative update. - Products/Services Requested: - Transfer of 250,000 pounds of Atlantic Bluefish commercial quota from New Jersey to North Carolina - Administrative updates to the Catch Share Cost Recovery Program for Atlantic Sea Scallop IFQ, Golden Tilefish IFQ, and Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ fisheries - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Quota transfer is made to comply with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and ensure North Carolina does not exceed its quota - Cost recovery program updates include fee waivers for amounts under $25 and standardized billing/payment timelines - No procurement of goods or services; action is regulatory and administrative in nature - Revised 2026 commercial bluefish quotas: - New Jersey: 408,379 pounds - North Carolina: 1,743,521 pounds - Period of performance: - Quota transfer effective September 10, 2026 through December 31, 2026 - Cost recovery program rule effective October 13, 2026

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces that the State of New Jersey is transferring a portion of their 2026 commercial bluefish quota to the State of North Carolina. This quota adjustment is necessary to comply with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) quota transfer provisions. The announcement informs the public of the revised 2026 commercial bluefish quotas for New Jersey and North Carolina. The transfer involves 250,000 pounds of Atlantic bluefish from New Jersey to North Carolina, effective from September 10, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

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