Gulf Groupers Dodge Hooks with New Catch Curbs
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Gulf of America is planning new rules to protect shallow-water groupers like scamp and yellowmouth by lowering catch limits and setting a fixed closed season for recreational fishing. These changes affect both recreational and commercial fishers and aim to keep grouper populations healthy while more long-term plans are developed. Comments on the proposal are open until April 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Major Catch Limits Cut for Shallow-Water Grouper
The total Other shallow-water grouper (Other SWG) stock complex ACL would be cut from 710,000 lb to 322,000 lb (a 54.7% reduction). The commercial ACL would drop from 547,000 lb to 255,000 lb, and the commercial quota (ACT) would fall from 525,000 lb to 245,000 lb. These changes would apply to IFQ shareholders, commercial fishing businesses, charter/headboat for-hire businesses, and recreational anglers in Gulf Federal waters.
Recreational Season Closed Jan 1–June 30
Recreational harvest of Other SWG in Gulf Federal waters would be prohibited each year from January 1 through June 30, with an open season from July 1 through December 31. During the closed season, bag and possession limits for Other SWG from Gulf Federal waters would be zero.
IFQ Allocation and Share Price Effects Possible
The proposed quota reductions make Other SWG IFQ allocation a smaller fixed supply, which could change allocation transfer prices and IFQ share values. NMFS notes allocation transfer prices may increase and that share values could decrease if investors expect lower future revenue, but these price effects cannot be quantified and are expected to likely be small.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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