Notice2026-09371
Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition
Primary source
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Published
May 12, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
This action serves as a notice that NMFS has found that Atlantic white marlin and roundscale spearfish continue to be overfished; the Pribilof Island blue king crab stock continues to be overfished; and the Bering Sea snow crab is now overfished.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 25865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09371]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF712]
Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS has found that
Atlantic white marlin and roundscale spearfish continue to be
overfished; the Pribilof Island blue king crab stock continues to be
overfished; and the Bering Sea snow crab is now overfished.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen E. Greene, (301) 427-8558.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C.
1854(e)(2), NMFS, must notify councils, and publish a notice in the
Federal Register, whenever it determines that a stock or stock complex
is subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished
condition.
NMFS has determined that Atlantic white marlin and roundscale
spearfish, both of which are assessed and managed together, continue to
be overfished. This determination is based on the most recent
assessment, completed in 2025 using data through 2023, that found the
spawning stock biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold
(MSST), which supports the determination that the stocks remain
overfished. NMFS continues to work with the International Commission
for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to rebuild these stocks through
its international rebuilding program.
NMFS has determined that the Pribilof Island blue king crab stock
continues to be overfished. This determination is based on the most
recent assessment, completed in 2025 using data from 2024, that found
the mature male biomass is less than the MSST, which supports the
determination that the stock remains overfished.
NMFS has determined that the Bering Sea snow crab stock is again
overfished (it was previously determined to be overfished in 2022; 88
FR 14349, March 8, 2023). This determination is based on the most
recent assessment, completed in 2025 using data through 2025, that
found the mature male biomass is less than the MSST, which supports a
determination that the stock is overfished.
NMFS continues to work with the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council to rebuild both of these crab stocks.
Dated: May 7, 2026.
Kelly Denit,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-09371 Filed 5-11-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 12, 2026.
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