Overview
Apparently improving stock conditions may allow higher 2026-2027 Atlantic mackerel catch limits.
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 assessment, It appears that improving recruitment in 2022 and 2023 preceded a large terminal year recruitment event in 2024. However, the preceding three terminal year recruitment estimates (2016, 2019, and 2022) were later revised down, by -30%, -62%, and -23% respectively.
In October 2025 the Council instructed staff to refine a range of approaches for 2026-2027 that would continue rebuilding based on the SSC’s recommendations, developed at an October 23, 2025 SSC webinar meeting. A planned joint Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Committee plus River Herring and Shad (RH/S) Committee meeting on November 24, 2025 will develop recommendations for final action at the Council’s December 2025 meeting.
Contact:
Jason Didden (jdidden@mafmc.org, 302-526-5254)
Action Development Timeline and Status
Current Action Plan (as of 10/14/25)
Next Steps: Nov 12 MSB Monitoring Committee Meeting (will be canceled if shutdown persists), Nov 21 RH/S AP Meeting, Nov 24 Joint MSB+RH/S Committee Meeting, Final Action at December 2025 Council Meeting (may be discussion and not final action depending on shutdown status)