Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces 2026 specifications and projects 2027 and 2028 specifications for the Northeast skate fishery as recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council. This action sets skate catch limits for fishing year 2026, projects catch limits for fishing years 2027 and 2028, and increases trip possession limits for the wing and bait fisheries. This action is necessary to establish skate specifications consistent with the most recent scientific information. The intent of this action is to establish appropriate catch limits for the skate fishery, while providing additional operational flexibility to fishery participants.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [260609-0140] RIN 0648-BO35 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: NMFS announces 2026 specifications and projects 2027 and 2028 specifications for the Northeast skate fishery as recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council. This action sets skate catch limits for fishing year 2026, projects catch limits for fishing years 2027 and 2028, and increases trip possession limits for the wing and bait fisheries. This action is necessary to establish skate specifications consistent with the most recent scientific information. The intent of this action is to establish appropriate catch limits for the skate fishery, while providing additional operational flexibility to fishery participants. ( printed page 35900) DATES: Effective June 15, 2026. ADDRESSES: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has prepared a supplemental information report (SIR) that describes this action and compares it to the alternatives and analyses presented in the environmental assessment that was prepared for Framework Adjustment 12 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan. The SIR includes a Regulatory Impact Review and economic analysis. Copies of these and other supporting documents are available upon request from Dr. Cate O'Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Managemen…
Citation: 91 FR 35899
