Gulf Council Meets to Update Fishing Rules and Budgets
Published Date: 1/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is holding a 3-day meeting from January 26-28, 2026, to discuss important changes affecting fishing rules and data collection in the Gulf of America. Fishermen, businesses, and communities depending on Gulf fisheries should pay attention, as budget plans, reporting rules, and communication tools will be updated. You can join in person in New Orleans or tune in online—no fishing license needed to listen!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Final Actions on Grouper Management
On January 28, 2026 the Council has scheduled public testimony (beginning 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST) and final action items for Reef Fish Amendment 62 (Modifications to Gulf Red Grouper management measures) and Reef Fish Amendment 58A (Modifications to other shallow-water grouper management measures). If adopted, these amendments will change official management measures for Gulf Red Grouper and other shallow-water grouper.
Possible IFQ Program Changes Reviewed
During January 26-28, 2026 the Council will review 2025 IFQ (Individual Fishing Quota) landings and consider draft options including Reef Fish Amendment 63 (Modifications to Gulf Red Grouper IFQ Program) and Draft Reef Fish Amendment 59A (Permit Requirements in IFQ Programs). These agenda items concern potential changes to IFQ program rules and permit requirements.
New and Expanded Reporting Discussions
The Council will discuss the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Document, provide an update on the Commercial Electronic Logbook Program Implementation Plan, and hold a discussion on Deep-water Grouper Complex Recreational Mandatory Reporting during the January 26-28, 2026 meeting. These agenda items concern electronic reporting and recreational mandatory reporting requirements.
Budget and Federal Funding Updates
On January 26, 2026 the Administrative/Budget Committee will review the Proposed 2026 Activities and Budget and receive an update on the Final 2020-2024 Administrative Award and Inflation Reduction Act funding. These agenda items relate to Council budget plans and federal funding updates.
Hybrid Meeting and Public Testimony Access
The Council's January 26-28, 2026 meeting is hybrid: in-person at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter in New Orleans and virtual listening options via www.gulfcouncil.org. Public testimony for final action items is scheduled for January 28, 2026 starting at 9:15 a.m. CST (registration for virtual testimony closes at 8:15 a.m. CST on that day). No fishing license is required to listen.
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Key Dates
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