Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2026 Recreational Fishing Season Announcement for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
Key claim: NMFS announces that the 2026 recreational blueline tilefish season in South Atlantic Federal waters will remain open through the fixed September 1, 2026 closure date because projected landings will not reach the recreational annual catch limit.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS announces the 2026 recreational fishing season for blueline tilefish in South Atlantic Federal waters. Announcing the length of the recreational fishing season is the accountability measure (AM) for the recreational sector. For the 2026 fishing year, NMFS estimates that recreational landings of blueline tilefish will not reach the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) and therefore not close prior to the recreational fixed seasonal closure that begins on September 1, 2026. NMFS announces the season length for the recreational harvest of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic to allow recreational fishermen to maximize their fishing opportunities while NMFS manages recreational harvest to protect the blueline tilefish resource.
Why this matters
NMFS announces that the 2026 recreational blueline tilefish season in South Atlantic Federal waters will remain open through the fixed September 1, 2026 closure date because projected landings will not reach the recreational annual catch limit.