Final rule · 2026-17500

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish; Framework Adjustment 17

Through this action, NMFS is implementing specifications and management measures in Framework Adjustment 17 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action sets monkfish specifications for fishing year 2026, projects specifications for fishing years 2027 and 2028, streamlines the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Overage Accountability Measure (AM) trigger, and adds default specifications for the monkfish fishery. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.