NOAA notice finds four Atlantic cod stocks overfished, two with overfishing
A Federal Register notice dated November 12 says Eastern and Western Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and Southern New England cod are overfished. Western Gulf of Maine and Southern New England cod are also subject to overfishing. No new fishing rule is in the notice.
The National Marine Fisheries Service says four Atlantic cod stocks are overfished: Eastern Gulf of Maine, Western Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and Southern New England. Western Gulf of Maine and Southern New England cod are also subject to overfishing, meaning fishing mortality exceeds the maximum threshold. The notice is dated November 12, 2026, was filed November 13, and is scheduled for the November 16 Federal Register.
The findings rest on stock assessments completed in 2024 using data through 2023. For each stock, spawning stock biomass fell below the minimum stock size threshold. For the two overfishing stocks, fishing mortality was above the maximum threshold.
Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS has told the New England Fishery Management Council it must prepare rebuilding plans for the four overfished stocks and end overfishing for the two stocks subject to it. The notice itself does not set a bag limit, season, closure or quota.
What it means for a trip: nothing changes on the water from this notice alone. Any recreational cod measures would come later through the council process and a separate rule. Check current federal and state cod regulations before fishing, since rules can change. Read the controlling notice for the exact wording.
On the water: Rules and conditions can change quickly. Confirm current regulations and official marine forecasts for your exact trip.