Framework 17 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP
Overview
Framework 17 revises the Atlantic mackerel rebuilding plan in line with the most recent stock assessment, which allows increases of catch limits and higher possession limits for both commercial and recreational participants. The Council took final action at the December 2025 Council Meeting, and NOAA Fisheries published an interim final rule to implement the framework on April 27, 2026.
Contact: Jason Didden (jdidden@mafmc.org, 302-526-5254)
Framework Development Timeline
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 Advisory Body Meetings:
December 2025 Council Meeting: The Council selected preferred alternatives and approved the framework for submission to NOAA Fisheries. See the press release for additional details.
April 27, 2028: NOAA Fisheries published an interim final rule to implement Framework 17.
Modified Trip Limits
The revised commercial quotas will allow substantially higher initial Atlantic mackerel trip limits:
Phase 1 - Start of year
Tier 1: 200,000 pounds per trip; Tier 2: 135,000 pounds per trip; Tier 3: 100,000 pounds per trip
Open access: 20,000 pounds per trip
Phase 2 - triggers when 1,100 metric tons of quota remain
All limited access Tiers: 20,000 pounds per trip
Open access: 5,000 pounds per trip
Phase 3 - triggers when 220 metric tons of quota remain
All limited access Tiers: 10,000 pounds per trip
Open access: 2,500 pounds per trip