91 FR 8386 PDF Download ( 2026): 91 FR 8386 PDF Download: Revised 2026 Atlantic Mackerel Specifications & Quota Tables
Key Highlights of the Rule (Summary for Readers)
On February 23, 2026, NOAA Fisheries published 91 FR 8386, an interim final rule adjusting the Atlantic mackerel fishery specifications for the 2026 fishing year. This action follows the latest 2025 management track stock assessment which showed improved stock trends.
- Document Citation: 91 FR 8386
- Effective Date: February 23, 2026
- Primary Change: Increase in the 2026 specifications above the 2025 “rollover” levels.
- Purpose: To continue rebuilding the stock while allowing the fishery to achieve “Optimum Yield” (OY) based on new scientific data.
Why Commercial Fishermen Need This PDF
- Compliance: Fishing under 2025 rollover limits would unnecessarily restrict your season. The new 91 FR 8386 limits allow for higher landing volumes.
- Trip Limits: The PDF outlines the specific Phase 1, 2, and 3 triggers for trip limit reductions (e.g., Tier 1 limited access at 200,000 lbs).
- Legal Reference: Keep a copy of the Federal Register Doc. 2026-03504 on your vessel to verify the updated legal harvest levels during inspections.
2025 vs. 2026 Atlantic Mackerel Quota Comparison
All values in Metric Tons (mt) unless otherwise specified.
Massive Increase: The headline should emphasize the 685% increase in the commercial quota. This is the “hook” that will make people click your link.
Stock Status: Mention that the 2025 Stock Assessment shows the Atlantic Mackerel stock is “no longer overfished,” which is why NOAA can allow these much higher limits.
The “Rollover” Trap: Explain that without this interim rule, the fishery would have been stuck with the tiny 868 mt quota from 2025. This PDF is what “unlocks” the extra 5,949 metric tons for the industry.
Trip Limits (The “Hidden” Detail): Add that while the quota is higher, the 200,000 lb trip limit (Tier 1) remains the starting point for Phase 1 of the season.
“The 2026 specifications represent a historic shift for the Northeastern mackerel fishery, moving from a restrictive rebuilding phase to an expanded harvest based on the highest recruitment levels seen since 1983.”
Download Official 2026 Mackerel Specifications
| Specification | Current 2025 | New 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | 3,200 | 10,714 |
| Canadian Catch Deduction | 74 | 500 |
| U.S. ABC/Annual Catch Limit | 3,126 | 10,214 |
| Recreational Catch Deduction | 2,143 | 2,500 |
| Management Uncertainty Buffer | 0 | 610 |
| Commercial Annual Catch Target | 983 | 7,104 |
| Commercial Discards | 115 | 287 |
| DAH/Domestic Annual Processing | 868 | 6,817 |
| RH/S Catch Cap | 129 | 129 |
Published: February 23, 2026
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Document Number: 2026-03504
Effective: February 23, 2026
Comment Deadline: March 25, 2026
Overview
The Federal Register document 91 FR 8386 contains an interim final rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that revises the 2026 Atlantic mackerel fishery specifications for the Fisheries of the Northeastern United States. This action updates harvest limits and management specifications for the Atlantic mackerel fishery to reflect the findings of the most recent updated stock assessment for mackerel.
Purpose of the Rule
- NMFS is adjusting the 2026 fishing specifications for Atlantic mackerel to ensure that the fishery continues rebuilding the stock and achieves optimum yield based on the best available science.
- An updated 2025 stock assessment found that the Atlantic mackerel stock is no longer overfished and is not currently undergoing overfishing, supporting revised specifications.
- The interim final rule increases the 2026 mackerel specifications above the prior “rollover” specifications that would have remained in effect from 2025.
Key Points
- The rule implements in-season adjustments to the Atlantic mackerel fishery specifications based on the latest scientific data.
- The interim specifications account for expected Canadian catch and incorporate management uncertainty buffers and commercial discard estimates.
- Public comments on the interim rule are invited and must be submitted by March 25, 2026.
