A Federal Consistency Determination has been submitted to the DNREC Delaware Coastal Management Program (DCMP) for the following: NMFS Proposed Rule on Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Regs for Fishing Gear (2026.0034)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes revisions to fishing gear regulations and requirements for fisheries targeting Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS). The proposed changes would: (1) revise buoy gear regulations to modify requirements for gear deployment and retrieval, authorize this gear under additional permits, and authorize the targeting of additional species, (2) revise speargun fishing gear regulations to authorize this gear under additional permits and to authorize the targeting of additional species, and (3) modify fishing gear regulations to allow possession and use of small nets and other gear commonly used for bait collection on Atlantic HMS fishing vessels. This proposed rule is also available on the Federal Register under document number 2026-16591. 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 September 11, 2026, through October 1, 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.

Related Topics:  climate coastal energy, coastal programs, federal consistency, fishing gear regulations, permitting and regulation, public notice