Recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regulations affecting small businesses

NMFS implements Framework Adjustments 19 and 7 revising the recreational management measures process for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish fisheries in the Northeastern United States.

NMFS Framework Adjustment 18 modifies minimum mesh size exemptions in the commercial summer flounder fishery to increase operational flexibility for northeastern U.S. fishing businesses.

SEDAR 103 public meeting process for Caribbean Alternate Assessment Methods includes a Development Workshop, Assessment Webinars, and Review Workshop for fisheries stakeholders.

North Pacific Fishery Management Council Coordination Committee meeting convenes May 19–21, 2026, with regional fishery management council leadership.

SEDAR 90 assessment process for South Atlantic Red Snapper includes data workshops, assessment webinars, and review workshops to evaluate fishery stock status and management recommendations.

NMFS proposes to issue incidental harassment authorizations for marine mammal takes during U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pile dike repair projects on the lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington; public comment period open.

Framework Adjustment 17 revises Atlantic mackerel rebuilding timelines and sets 2026-2027 fishing specifications for the mackerel, squid, and butterfish fishery in the northeastern United States based on updated stock assessments.

North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee meets May 18, 2026 to address monitoring and compliance issues affecting commercial fisheries in federal waters.

New England Fishery Management Council corrects Federal Register language from April 13, 2026 to clarify scoping meeting versus listening session terminology.

The final rule allocates 2026 Northeast multispecies annual catch entitlements to groundfish sectors and permit banks based on Framework Adjustment 69 catch limits, enabling limited access permit holders to operate authorized sectors.

Federal permits have been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act for activities affecting protected marine species and endangered wildlife.

NMFS proposes monkfish fishing specifications for 2026–2028 in northeastern U.S. waters, streamlining catch limit accountability measures and updating management based on current science.

The National Integrated Drought Information System holds an Executive Council organizational meeting on May 7, 2026.

Gulf Fishery Management Council holds a 2-day virtual meeting of its Workgroup on Shrimp Bycatch Methodology for Finfish Species to address fishing industry regulations.

Gulf Fishery Management Council holds two webinar public hearings to solicit comments on Reef Fish Amendment 63 regarding red grouper commercial quota pools under the Individual Fishing Quota Program.