Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding and 2026-2027 Specifications Framework

Overview

This framework considers revisions to the Atlantic mackerel stock rebuilding plan, including 2026-2027 specifications (catch limits) and associated management measures.

Large-scale directed commercial fishing effort for Atlantic mackerel has been negligible since October 12, 2023, when very low trip limits and quotas were established to facilitate rebuilding. Based on the 2025 Management Track Assessment, the stock was neither overfished (56% of target) nor experiencing overfishing (only 1/5 of the overfishing rate) in 2024. At the August 2025 meeting, the Council agreed, as part of efforts to address Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, to consider amending the mackerel rebuilding plan to a lower probability of rebuilding (50% versus 61%) to yield more fish in upcoming years.

Contact:

Action Development Timeline and Status

Current Action Plan (as of 10/14/25)

August 2025 Council Meeting: Action initiated.

October 2025 Council Meeting: The Council reviewed a draft range of alternatives and instructed staff to refine a range of approaches for 2026-2027 that would continue rebuilding based on the SSC’s recommendations.

October-December 2025: Committee and advisory body meetings.

Next Steps: Final action is anticipated at the December 2025 Council Meeting.

Alternative Gear Marking Framework

This joint omnibus framework action will consider revisions to gear marking regulations to allow the use of fixed gear without a persistent buoy line, also called on-demand fishing gear, in all New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council fishery management plans.

Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures Framework

The spiny dogfish FMP currently requires pound for pound paybacks of any Annual Catch Limit overages as an accountability measure (AM). This action considers if there are some circumstances where the current strict paybacks may be excessive, and if modified/relaxed payback AMs may be sufficient.

Recreational Sector Separation Amendment

This amendment will consider options for managing for-hire recreational fisheries separately from other recreational fishing modes (referred to as sector separation), as well as options related to for-hire permit and reporting requirements.

Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

This joint MAFMC-ASMFC action proposes an improved process for setting recreational management measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. This is a follow-on action to the Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda.

Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment

This action will concurrently conduct the 5-year EFH review required under the Magnuson Stevens Act while amending fishery management plans for the Council, as needed.