NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Comment on New Catch Limit Rule

NOAA Fisheries Opens Comment Period on Spanish Mackerel Rule

NOAA Fisheries is requesting public comment on a proposed rule that would reduce the annual catch limit for Gulf Spanish mackerel. The proposal is part of Framework Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf and Atlantic Region. The comment period opened July 22, 2026, and runs through August 21, 2026.

Under the proposed rule, the Gulf Spanish mackerel annual catch limit would drop from 11.3 million pounds to 9.63 million pounds. The rule would also change how accountability is enforced, shifting from an in-season closure to a post-season monitoring accountability measure. That change is intended to expand fishing opportunities across fishing years while still maintaining accountability for the status of the stock.

Why the Change Is Proposed

The action responds to the most recent stock assessment for Gulf Spanish mackerel, completed in 2023 and determined to be the best scientific information available. The Gulf Council reviewed the findings, accepted the catch limit recommendations, and asked NOAA Fisheries to implement them through rulemaking. The council also requested the accountability measure modification.

NOAA Fisheries described the stock as healthy but said the current catch limit exceeds what the data support for long-term productivity. The agency says the adjustment is intended to keep the population at a level that can maximize yield and fishing opportunities over the long term.

How to Submit Comments

Comments may be submitted electronically or by postal mail. Electronic submissions go through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at regulations.gov under docket number NOAA-NMFS-2026-0794. Written comments may be mailed to Kelli O’Donnell, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. NOAA Fisheries said comments sent by any other method, to any other address, or received after the comment period ends may not be considered.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register as 91 FR 46042 on July 22, 2026. Framework Amendment 14 is available on the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website. For more information, contact Kelli O’Donnell at (727) 824-5305.

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