Uncle Sam Reserves Red Grouper for Favored Fishers in Gulf Pilot
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is hosting two online public meetings in May 2026 to talk about a new 3-year pilot program that sets aside part of the Red Grouper fishing quota for certain commercial fishers. If you fish commercially or care about fishing rules, this is your chance to speak up before the May 26 deadline. These changes could affect who gets to catch Red Grouper and how much, so don’t miss out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
3-Year Pilot: Red Grouper Quota Set-Aside
If you fish commercially for Red Grouper or participate in the Grouper/Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program, the Gulf Council is considering a 3-year pilot that would set aside a portion of the Red Grouper commercial quota to distribute to IFQ program participants. The council is holding webinar public hearings on May 13 and May 14, 2026 (6 p.m. EDT) and is accepting written comments through 5 p.m. EDT on May 26, 2026.
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