NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES RULE: ATLANTIC SURFCLAM AND OCEAN QUAHOG FISHERIES; 2026 FISHING QUOTAS FOR ATLANTIC SURFCLAMS AND OCEAN QUAHOGS; AND SUSPENSION OF ATLANTIC SURFCLAM MINIMUM SIZE LIMIT

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a rule called: Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; 2026 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs; and Suspension of Atlantic Surfclam Minimum Size Limit.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 13 by Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS announces that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2026 will remain status quo. NMFS also suspends the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the 2026 fishing year. Regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public of the allowable harvest level...