Interim Final Rule to Implement Revised 2022 Illex Squid Specifications

NOAA Fisheries announces an increase to the 2022 acceptable biological catch (ABC) for the Illex squid fishery from 33,000 mt to 40,000 mt. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council recommended this quota increase based on the best available science, which indicates that the species continues to be lightly exploited and the fishery footprint is small. This increase to the ABC will result in a 2022 commercial quota of 38,156 mt, and will allow additional fishing opportunities in the Illex fishery.

This action also adjusts the closure threshold for the Illex squid fishery from 94 percent to 96 percent.