Gulf Red Grouper Fishing Rules Up for Online Public Debate
Published Date: 12/30/2025
Notice
Summary
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is hosting two fun and easy online meetings in January 2026 to talk about new rules for catching Gulf Red Grouper fish. These changes could affect fishermen and fish lovers by adjusting catch limits and possibly ending a seasonal fishing ban. If you care about fishing or the Gulf, join the webinars or send your thoughts by January 20 to have your say!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Changes to Red Grouper Catch Limits
The Gulf Council will consider changes to the Gulf Red Grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch (ABC), and total annual catch limit (TAC). If you fish commercially or rely on commercial catches, those changes could affect how much seafood can be legally caught. The Council is holding webinars on January 15 and January 20, 2026, and will accept written comments through January 20, 2026.
Sector Allocation and Sector ACL Changes
Reef Fish Amendment 62 would modify sector allocations and sector annual catch limits (ACLs) for Gulf Red Grouper, which affects how the total allowable catch is split between sectors (for example, commercial and recreational). This could change the amount each sector may harvest and therefore affect commercial fishers' shares and recreational access. Public webinars are January 15 and January 20, 2026, and written comments are due by January 20, 2026.
Possible End to Feb–Mar Recreational Closure
The Council is considering removal of the February–March recreational Shallow-water Grouper closure in the Gulf, which could end that seasonal fishing ban for recreational anglers. If removed, recreational fishers would have access during February and March; if retained, the seasonal closure would remain. The Council will take public input at webinars on January 15 and January 20, 2026, and accept written comments through January 20, 2026.
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