Draft

This action reinitiates Amendment 25, which was originally submitted on March 5, 2025, and was repackaged and submitted as Amendment 25 (Revised).

This includes the cod-specific measures in Framework 69 and incorporates the four newly identified Atlantic cod stock units into the Northeast Multispecies FMP, consistent with the 2026 Atlantic Cod Research Track Assessment, and sets status determination criteria and management measures for cod stocks.

Amendment 25 (Revised) – Decision Letter– April 6, 2026

Amendment 25 (Revised) – Proposed Rule– Comment by April 17, 2026

Amendment 25 (Revised) – Notice of Availability – Comment by March 16, 2026

Amendment 25 (Revised) - Final Submission with Editorial Correction to NEPA Certification Language – March 24, 2026 

Amendment 25 (Revised) - Final Submission – March 5, 2026 

Appendix I: Scientific and Statistical Committee Recommendations for Atlantic Cod FY2025– FY2027 

Appendix II: Calculation of Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Limits FY2026– FY2027 - Updated

Appendix III: Development of Phase 1 Measures for Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan: Bridge Approach for Sector Allocation - Updated

Appendix IV: Development of Phase 1 Measures for Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan: Common Pool and Recreational Measures 

Appendix V: Risk Policy Matrices for Atlantic Cod Stocks 

Appendix VI: Affected Environment Supplemental Information - Updated

Appendix VII: Cumulative Effects Supplemental Information  - Updated

Background

The original Amendment 25, which was submitted in March 2025, identified four new stock units of Atlantic cod, consistent with the 2023 Atlantic Cod Research Track Assessment, and incorporated the new stock units into the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan. 

Amendment 25 Decision Letter - May 19, 2025

Groundfish Amendment 25 – Notice of Availability – Comment by May 5, 2025

Groundfish Amendment 25 - Final Submitted - March 5, 2025