Comment Period Extension for Revisions to Commercial Atlantic Blacknose Shark and Recreational Atlantic Shark Fisheries Proposed Rule

NOAA Fisheries announces a comment period extension on a proposed rule to revise the commercial Atlantic blacknose shark and recreational Atlantic shark fisheries management measures.

What will it do?

The comment period for this proposed rule is being extended through May 29, 2026. This will provide the public additional time to understand the proposed measures and additional opportunity for public comment. A full description of the proposed management measures can be found in the proposed rule which was published on January 5, 2026. The full range of alternatives considered can be found in the draft environmental assessment. The proposed measures are summarized below.

In commercial shark fisheries:

• Remove the blacknose shark management boundary in the Atlantic region
• Modify the commercial retention limit for blacknose sharks in the Atlantic region
• Remove commercial management group quota linkages

In recreational shark fisheries:

• Revise the recreational minimum size limits for Atlantic sharks
• Revise the recreational retention limits for Atlantic sharks

Who is affected?

• Any commercial or recreational shark fisher in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America and Caribbean Sea
• Any dealer who buys or sells sharks or shark products in these areas

Comments

NOAA Fisheries will accept public comments through May 29, 2026.