Gag Grouper Season Shortened to Save South Atlantic Fish Stocks
Published Date: 3/24/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting in 2025, recreational fishers in the South Atlantic will have a shorter season to catch gag grouper to keep the fish population healthy. This change comes because too many fish were caught in 2024, so the season will close earlier to prevent overfishing. If you love fishing for gag, plan ahead and watch for the new closure date to avoid fines and help protect the fish for the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Shorter 2025 gag fishing season
If you fish for gag grouper in the South Atlantic, your 2025 recreational season will be shorter because NMFS reduced the season length to avoid exceeding the recreational annual catch limit after 2024 overages. Watch for the announced adjusted closure date so you don’t fish during the closed period and risk fines.
Closure to protect gag resource
NMFS announced an adjusted closure date for the recreational harvest of gag in South Atlantic Federal waters to protect the gag resource after landings exceeded the recreational ACL in 2024. The closure is intended to prevent overfishing and help sustain gag populations for future seasons.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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