Final rule · 2026-00479

Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; 2026 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs; and Suspension of Atlantic Surfclam Minimum Size Limit

NMFS announces that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2026 will remain status quo. NMFS also suspends the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the 2026 fishing year. Regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public of the allowable harvest levels for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone even if the previous year's quota specifications remain unchanged. The 2026 quotas were previously announced as projected values. This action confirms the final quotas are unchanged from those projections. This action continues to provide sustainable fishing opportunities to these fisheries.