Federal Register #2026-23020

Proposed South Atlantic rock shrimp access area with deep-water coral protections

NOAA/NMFS is proposing a rule to reopen limited South Atlantic rock shrimp fishing access while protecting deep-water coral habitat. - Government buyer and responsible organizations: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); amendments were prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. - Proposed action: Amend the South Atlantic Coral Fishery Management Plan and South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery Management Plan to establish an approximately 14.10-square-nautical-mile rock shrimp access area along the eastern boundary of the northern extension of the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern. - Who could fish: Holders of valid or renewable limited-access commercial vessel permits for rock shrimp in South Atlantic federal waters could fish for and possess rock shrimp in the area. - Purpose and impact: The proposal aims to restore access to historic fishing grounds and support optimum yield while minimizing impacts to deep-water corals. NMFS estimates that 100 permitted vessels would be directly regulated, though fewer are expected to be directly affected. - Opportunity type: Proposed regulatory action seeking public comments; it is not a procurement for products or services. No OEMs, vendors, products, quantities, or contract value are identified.

Description

NMFS proposes to implement Amendment 11 to the South Atlantic Coral Fishery Management Plan and Amendment 12 to the South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery Management Plan. The proposal would establish a shrimp fishery access area along the eastern boundary of the northern extension of the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern, where rock shrimp trawling is currently prohibited. It would allow eligible permitted vessels to fish for and possess rock shrimp in the area, with the stated aims of restoring access to historic fishing grounds, achieving optimum yield, and minimizing impacts to deep-water corals. Written comments are due December 14, 2026.

View original listing