Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; 2026-2028 Specifications
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing official catch specifications for the Northeast skate complex fishery covering fishing years 2026 through 2028. The proposed rule establishes binding catch limits for 2026 and projects forward-looking catch limits for 2027 and 2028, based on the most current scientific stock assessments available. In addition to setting annual catch limits, the proposal would increase the per-trip possession limits for both the skate wing fishery (used for human consumption) and the skate bait fishery (used as bait in other commercial fisheries). This change is intended to provide greater operational flexibility for commercial fishing vessels participating in these markets. The action is driven by NMFS's obligation to manage skate stocks consistent with current scientific information and federal fisheries management requirements. By projecting multi-year limits, the rule also gives the fishing industry advance planning capacity over a three-year horizon.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Sets binding annual catch limits (ACLs) for the Northeast skate complex for fishing year 2026
- Projects forward-looking catch limits for fishing years 2027 and 2028 based on updated stock assessments
- Increases per-trip possession limits for the skate wing fishery (human consumption market)
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Increase per-trip possession limits for the skate bait fishery (commercial bait market)
Manage skate stocks consistent with the most recent scientific stock assessment information
Comply with all applicable federal fisheries management requirements in establishing skate specifications
Establish and enforce annual catch limits for the Northeast skate complex for fishing year 2026 based on current scientific stock assessments
Project and publish forward-looking catch limits for the Northeast skate complex for fishing years 2027 and 2028