NOAA Fisheries announces final catch specifications for the 2025 Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery, as recommended by both the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. These specifications are based on the best available scientific information and represent the highest potential catch limit of spiny dogfish in 2025, while preventing overfishing. All other management measures and requirements, including trip limits, remain unchanged.
Final 2025 Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications, in metric tons. (ABC = acceptable biological catch, ACL = annual catch limit, ACT = annual catch target, TAL = total allowable landings)
| 2025 | |
| ABC | 7,626 |
| ACL = ACT | 7,622 |
| TAL | 4,347 |
| Commercial Quota | 4,236 |
For more details on the specifications, read the final rule as published in the Federal Register.
As of May 1, 2025, Vessels possessing a spiny dogfish permit fishing with gillnet gear must comply with overnight soak prohibitions in the Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Areas. These areas are:
- New Jersey Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area
- Delaware/Maryland Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area
- Virginia Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area
For more information, including maps of these areas, follow the links above.
