NOAA Sets Recreational Fishing Limits for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass for 2026–2027

NOAA is putting into effect an interim final rule that sets the recreational fishing limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass for 2026 and 2027. The rules follow recommendations from regional fishery councils and state agencies, which use a set of formulas to decide whether to tighten, loosen, or keep current limits.

Why it matters: This rule mainly updates the baseline rules that recreational anglers and charter operators follow in federal waters off the Northeast. The changes are small, and the black sea bass adjustment is already being applied by participating states. The main practical effect is that anglers can continue fishing under the current rules for two years, with a slight increase in how many black sea bass they can keep depending on their state.

Who it affects

• Recreational anglers fishing for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass in federal waters off the Northeast

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NOAA published this interim final rule in the Federal Register; anglers and operators should verify state-specific possession limits and the full regulatory text before planning trips.

Agency: Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document