# Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Revisions to Fishing Gear Regulations

**Action Urgency Score:** 20/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
| Type | Proposed rule |
| Action | Proposed rule; request for comments. |
| Published | 2026-08-14 |
| Comments close | 2026-10-13 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 50 CFR 635 |
| Summary | NMFS is proposing regulatory revisions to fishing gear requirements in fisheries targeting Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) to increase flexibility and remove inefficiencies, thus increasing fishing opportunities and the ability of HMS fisheries to achieve optimum yield. Specifically, NMFS is proposing changes to buoy gear regulations that include modifying gear deployment and retrieval requirements, authorizing this gear under additional permits, and allowing the retention of additional species. NMFS is also proposing changes to speargun fishing gear regulations that include authorizin |
| Document number | 2026-16591 |

## Why this score


Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/14/2026-16591/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-revisions-to-fishing-gear-regulations). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T21:40:49.974Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.