Interim Final Rule to Modify the Minimum Twine Size Requirement in the Mid-Atlantic Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan

Today, NOAA Fisheries published an interim final rule that amends the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan to change the minimum twine size allowed in large mesh gillnets in the Mid-Atlantic to 0.81 mm from 0.90 mm. The rule will continue to minimize mortality and serious injury of harbor porpoise, consistent with the MMPA Section 118 short-term goal of remaining below PBR, and is not expected to affect the trajectory towards the long-term goal of the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan of achieving a zero mortality and serious injury rate.

The rule would ensure consistency between the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan regulations for large-mesh gillnet gear in the mid-Atlantic with Framework Adjustment 15 to Monkfish Fishery Management Plan that requires gillnet fishermen to use low-profile gillnet gear in the New Jersey Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area (see map below) beginning January 1, 2026.

This rule would not impose any new requirements on fishermen, but rather will relieve a restriction and allow fishermen additional flexibility in determining how to rig their gear. This change would be implemented throughout the Mid-Atlantic region so that fishermen who rig their gear to comply with Framework Adjustment 15 to the Monkfish FMP do not have to maintain two sets of gear.

We are accepting comments for 30 days following publication of this interim final rule. The comment period is open through February 2, 2026. Please submit your comments through the comment portal . Upon consideration of comments received on the interim final rule, we intend to publish a subsequent rule confirming, modifying, or withdrawing this interim final rule.