Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish and Golden Tilefish Fisheries: 2026 Catch 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 annual catch specifications for the 2026 fishing year governing both golden tilefish and blueline tilefish in federal waters north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. This covers the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions and is required under the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The proposed rule establishes allowable biological catch (ABC), annual catch limits (ACL), and other harvest control measures designed to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield. These specifications are determined based on stock assessment data and scientific recommendations from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The regulation is authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the primary federal law governing marine fisheries management in U.S. exclusive economic zone waters. Commercial and recreational fishermen targeting tilefish species north of the NC/VA border will be subject to these updated limits for the 2026 season.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Establishes 2026 annual catch limits (ACL) for golden tilefish in federal waters north of the NC/VA border
- Establishes 2026 annual catch limits (ACL) for blueline tilefish in federal waters north of the NC/VA border
- Sets allowable biological catch (ABC) thresholds for both tilefish species for fishing year 2026
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Comply with annual catch limits (ACL) for golden tilefish in federal waters north of the North Carolina/Virginia border during the 2026 fishing year
Comply with annual catch limits (ACL) for blueline tilefish in federal waters north of the North Carolina/Virginia border during the 2026 fishing year
Adhere to allowable biological catch (ABC) thresholds established for golden tilefish and blueline tilefish in the 2026 fishing year
Observe all harvest control measures specified in the 2026 catch specifications for tilefish species
Apply catch specifications only to federal waters north of the North Carolina/Virginia border in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions