Effective June 15, 2026, NOAA Fisheries is implementing the New England Fishery Management Council’s recommended 2026 skate specifications. This rule also announces the projected 2027 and 2028 specifications.
Comparison of 2024–2025 and 2026–2028 Skate Fishery Specifications, in Metric Tons and Whole Weight.
| 2024-2025 | 2026–2027 | 2028 | |
| ABC/ACL | 32,155 | 41,282 | 37,154 |
| ACT (90% of ACL) | 28,940 | 37,154 | 33,439 |
| Overall Fishery TAL | 15,718 | 20,966 | 18,800 |
| Wing TAL (66.5% of Overall TAL) | 10,453 | 13,943 | 12,502 |
| Wing Season 1 TAL (57% of Wing TAL) | 5,958 | 7,948 | 7,126 |
| Wing Season 2 TAL | 4,495 | 5,995 | 5,376 |
| Bait TAL (33.5% of Overall TAL) | 5,266 | 7,024 | 6,298 |
| Bait Season 1 TAL (30.8% of Bait TAL) | 1,622 | 2,163 | 1,940 |
| Bait Season 2 TAL (37.1% of Bait TAL) | 1,954 | 2,606 | 2,337 |
| Bait Season 3 TAL | 1,690 | 2,255 | 2,021 |
In addition, this rule increases the skate wing possession limits for trips fishing on a Monkfish, Scallop, or Northeast Multispecies Day-At-Sea by 500 lb for each season, which results in a trip limit of 4,500 lb for Season 1 and a trip limit of 6,500 lb for Season 2. Also, it increases the skate bait possession limit by 5,000 lb, from 25,000 lb to 30,000 lb, for trips fishing on a Bait Letter of Authorization for all three bait seasons
