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2026-2027 Atlantic Mackerel Specifications

Atlantic mackerel is managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Even though Maine is not a member of this Council, the ME DMR recognizes there is a strong interest in the Atlantic mackerel fishery in Maine. This email is to make stakeholders aware of upcoming meetings you may want to participate in.

Currently, the Council is considering three Atlantic mackerel 2026-2027 specifications/rebuilding framework approaches:

  1. status quo Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) of 3,200 metric tons;
  2. an earlier rebuilding fishing mortality (F) of F=0.12; and
  3. a standard averaged P* risk policy approach (maximum F limit buffered for scientific uncertainty).

If the Council approves these rebuilding approaches, staff will be seeking ABC recommendations from the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) later in October. Potential ABCs for the three approaches vary substantially depending on how the SSC evaluates the scientific uncertainty of the stock assessment. However, approaches 2 and 3 could substantially liberalize the ABC. The SSC decision on how to handle the terminal year of the assessment could have major implications for projections. These discussions and the ABC will be informed by the 2025 Atlantic mackerel management track assessment which was completed on September 20, 2025. 

Council staff have prepared a memo outlining the specifications/rebuilding framework approaches, the previous SSC approach, and potential 2026 ABCs; available HERE.

Upcoming Meetings

To participate in the Atlantic mackerel 2026-2027 specifications process, there are three important meetings to attend in October. All meetings have webinar options.

  • Tuesday, October 7: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting
    • NOTE: Federal Councils are still operating during the federal government shutdown.
    • The meeting agenda and briefing materials are available HERE.
  • Thursday, October 16: Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Advisory Panel Meeting
    • Meeting information and materials (when posted) are available HERE.
  • Thursday, October 23: SSC Meeting - Atlantic Mackerel
    • Meeting information is available HERE.

There will be public comment opportunities at all meetings.

 

Fair winds and following seas,

Corrin Flora
Marine Resources Management Coordinator
Maine Department of Marine Resources
[email protected]
(207) 446-8126 (mobile)

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