Illex Squid Closure Reshapes Atlantic Commercial Season
UNITED STATES Monday, August 24, 2026, 03:00 (GMT + 9)
NOAA limits directed fishery through year-end after projecting 96% of domestic quota will be harvested The directed fishery for Illex squid (Illex illecebrosus) is formally closed in United States federal waters from 00:01 hours on August 23 through December 31, 2026. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) issued the regulatory decision after projecting that 96% of the annual domestic quota will be reached by that date. For the 2026 fishing year, the annual domestic quota—known as DAH—was set at 38,631 metric tons. The early activation of this closure directly follows the management guidelines established in the mackerel, squid and butterfish fishery management plan, aimed at preventing catches from exceeding the established catch limit. Trip Limits and Operational Restrictions The measure ... FULL STORY