NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on proposed measures for the 2026-2028 Specifications for the Northeast skate fishery.
We are proposing the following specifications for fishing years 2026 through 2028:
- For fishing years 2026 and 2027, increasing the skate acceptable biological catch (ABC) to 41,282 mt (91,010,864 lb)
- For fishing year 2028, decreasing the skate ABC to 37,154 mt (81,910,451 lb)
Comparison of Current 2024–2025 and Proposed 2026–2028 Skate Fishery Specifications, in Metric Tons and Whole Weight.
2024-2025 (Current) | 2026–2027 (Proposed) | 2028 (Proposed) | |
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 | 10,453 | 13,943 | 12,502 |
Wing Season 1 TAL | 5,958 | 7,948 | 7,126 |
Wing Season 2 TAL | 4,495 | 5,995 | 5,376 |
Bait TAL | 5,266 | 7,024 | 6,298 |
Bait Season 1 TAL | 1,622 | 2,163 | 1,940 |
Bait Season 2 TAL | 1,954 | 2,606 | 2,337 |
Bait Season 3 TAL | 1,690 | 2,255 | 2,021 |
In addition, we are proposing the following trip limit adjustments:
- Increasing 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 would result in a trip limit of 4,500 lb for Season 1 and a trip limit of 6,500 lb for Season 2
- Increasing 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
