A Federal Consistency Determination has been submitted to the DNREC Delaware Coastal Management Program (DCMP) for the following: NMFS Proposed Rule on Indicator Species Regulations for Atlantic HMS (2026.0020)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to modify the regulations regarding pelagic and demersal (bottom) indicator species in the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) pelagic and bottom longline fisheries. The changes would include removal of two sections from the HMS regulations: 1) the five-percent weight limit on the allowable amount of indicator species that pelagic longline and bottom longline vessels may possess or land when fishing in pelagic and bottom longline gear restricted areas and 2) the pelagic and demersal indicator species lists (tables 2 and 3 of appendix A to 50 CFR part 635). This proposed rule is also available on the Federal Register under document number 2026-07532. The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency under the policies of the DNREC DCMP.

Comments concerning this Federal Consistency Determination will be accepted from May 15, 2026, through June 4, 2026. Comments may be sent to: DNREC Coastal Programs, Jesse Hayden, Administrator, 100 W. Water Street, Suite 7B, Dover, DE, 19904, or electronically to DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov. (Please note that there are underscores between DNREC, DCP, and Public). For submission materials and additional information please visit de.gov/dnrecnotices or call (302) 739-9283.

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