How do I submit a public comment on Fisheries of the Northeastern United States?

The public comment window for this decision closed on May 15, 2026. The record of what was at stake stays on this page.

When is the public comment deadline for Fisheries of the Northeastern United States?

The comment window closed on May 15, 2026.

Do public comments actually change federal decisions?

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Affects public lands

Oppose Fisheries of the Northeastern United States

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2026 and 2027 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration· Northeastern United States (Atlantic coastal and marine waters)Federal Register 2026-08409 ↗

Wildlife Fishing Recreation

NOAA's fisheries management arm is setting recreational fishing rules for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass in the northeastern U.S. for 2026 and 2027. The rules establish harvest targets designed to keep recreational catch at or below sustainable levels to prevent overfishing. Recreational anglers, charter boat operators, and fishing-dependent coastal communities along the Northeast Atlantic coast are the primary groups affected.

In the agency’s own words

NMFS approves and implements Federal management measures for the 2026 and 2027 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. This action implements management measures intended to allow these recreational fisheries to achieve, but not exceed, the recreational harvest target and thereby prevent overfishing.

Federal Register 2026-08409 ↗

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