Grouper Limits Tighten: South Atlantic Fishers Face New Rules
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This rule changes how many gag and black groupers recreational fishers can catch and updates rules for commercial vessels using special black sea bass pots. These changes help protect fish populations and make it easier for boats to move through certain areas. If you fish or run a commercial vessel in the South Atlantic, speak up by May 26, 2026!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Recreational Vessel Limit Cut to Two
If you fish recreationally in Federal waters of the South Atlantic, the rule would limit each private vessel to two gag or black grouper in any combination per day, and each for-hire (charter/headboat) vessel to two gag or black grouper in any combination per trip. The individual bag limit of one gag or black grouper per person per day stays the same, and the more restrictive limit (bag or vessel) applies.
Easier Transit for Ropeless Pots
If you operate a commercial vessel with on-demand (ropeless) black sea bass pots, this rule would let buoys remain connected to on-demand pots while transiting (direct, non-stop) through marine protected areas (MPAs) and spawning special management zones (spawning SMZs) as long as those on-demand pots are not baited. Traditional roped pots would still require buoys to be disconnected during transit.
Charter Crew Bag Limit Is Zero
If you are the captain or crew of a charter vessel or headboat, the bag limit for gag and black grouper is zero (you may not keep these fish). Vessel limits still apply (two gag or black grouper per private vessel per day or two per for-hire vessel per trip), and the more restrictive limit between bag and vessel limits applies.
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