Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2026 and Projected 2027 Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Fisheries

NMFS announces 2026 specifications and projects 2027 specifications for the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish fisheries. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP require us to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of these species and to respond to public comments received during the public comment period. The specifications for these species are intended to establish allowable harvest levels that will prevent overfishing, consistent with the most recent scientific information, for the 2026 fishing year.