This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, shellfish, and marine conservation. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food. Also consider subscribing to our Fisheries - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Revised 2026 Atlantic Mackerel Specifications Released

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released an interim final rule adjusting 2026 Atlantic mackerel fishery specifications following updated stock assessments. Effective February 23, 2026, the rule sets the allowable biological catch (ABC) at 10,714 metric tons, a 235% increase from the previous year. The domestic annual harvest (DAH) rises to 6,817 metric tons, representing a 685% increase over 2025. Adjustments include deductions for Canadian harvest (500 mt), recreational catch (2,500 mt), and a management uncertainty buffer (610 mt). The RH/S catch cap stays at 129 mt. These changes follow stock assessments indicating the mackerel stock is no longer overfished. NMFS implemented Alternative A2, reflecting the highest quotas recommended under Alternative A4 but pending final Council recommendations. Public comments are open until March 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Vietnam Shrimp Antidumping Duty Review Concludes with Revised Margins

The Department of Commerce finalized its administrative review on frozen warmwater shrimp imports from Vietnam for February 2023 to January 2024, determining sales below normal value for certain exporters. Two mandatory respondents, STAPIMEX and Thong Thuan/TTCR, were assigned a weighted-average dumping margin of 25.76%, based on adverse facts available due to unverifiable questionnaire responses. Twenty-two additional companies received a separate rate at 4.58%. The review was rescinded for Trang Khanh Seafood Co., Ltd., as there were no relevant suspended entries during the period of review. Updated cash deposit requirements are now effective for subject importers and exporters. Details are available in the Issues and Decision Memorandum on the ACCESS portal.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Environmental Impact Statement Notice Withdrawn for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

The National Marine Fisheries Service has withdrawn its Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Phase 2 modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, originally published September 2022. This decision follows Congressional action in December 2022, deeming the existing 2021 rule sufficient until December 31, 2028, as stipulated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The planned EIS timeline was incompatible with NEPA requirements given the Congressionally mandated date for a new amendment. NMFS notes future EIS notices may be issued for plan amendments required after 2028.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Information Collection Update for Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative Program

NOAA has submitted a revision to the Office of Management and Budget regarding the Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative (PCTC) Program’s information collection requirements. The update removes forms relating to Quota Share and certain appeal processes, now considered unnecessary for ongoing management. The program is designed to manage the harvest of Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands trawl catcher vessel sector, facilitating cooperative quota allocations and transfers. The collection covers applications for quota, inter-cooperative transfers, processor transfers, and notification of processing intent. Total reporting burden is estimated at 15 hours for 13 respondents. Comments are open for 30 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Correction to Caribbean Fishery Management Plans Rule

NMFS issued a correcting amendment to the final rule implementing the Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John island-based Fishery Management Plans. The correction updates references to species tables for Gulf reef fish and South Atlantic snapper-grouper in 50 CFR part 622 that were inadvertently omitted in the 2022 rule. This amendment updates regulatory citations but makes no changes to the managed species lists themselves. The correction takes effect February 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Ghana authorities rescue fishermen after attack by gunmen: Ghanaian officials responded after fishermen were attacked by armed individuals offshore.
• Family of St. Lucia fishing boat captain seeks answers after deadly US strike in Caribbean: Relatives of a St. Lucia fishing boat operator are seeking explanations following a fatal US military strike in the Caribbean Sea.

.