Overfished King Mackerel: Gillnet Limits Tightened in Gulf Waters
Published Date: 12/30/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting December 30, 2025, commercial fishers using run-around gillnets in the southern Gulf of America must catch less king mackerel because last year’s catch went over the limit. This new rule cuts the allowed catch for the 2025-2026 season to help protect the fish population. If you fish king mackerel in this area, get ready for tighter limits through June 30, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Gillnet King Mackerel Quota Cut
If you fish king mackerel commercially with run-around gillnets in the Gulf southern zone, NMFS reduced the commercial gillnet annual catch limit (ACL) for the 2025-2026 fishing year by 1,188 lb, from 671,328 lb to 670,140 lb. This adjusted ACL is effective December 30, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Season Reopening Date Set
If you fish king mackerel commercially with run-around gillnets in the Gulf southern zone, the run-around gillnet fishery is currently closed and will reopen at 6 a.m. local time on January 20, 2026. You cannot commercially harvest king mackerel with run-around gillnets in the southern zone until that reopening date.
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