Gulf Shrimp Showdown: Council Debates Bycatch and Quotas June 1-3
Published Date: 5/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is holding a 3-day meeting from June 1-3, 2026, to discuss important changes to fishing rules in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishermen, conservationists, and seafood lovers will be affected by updates on shrimp bycatch, habitat protection, and fishing quotas. You can join in person or online to hear about decisions that could impact fishing practices and the economy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Final Action on Red Grouper IFQ
The Council will consider FINAL ACTION on Reef Fish Amendment 63: Modifications to the Gulf Red Grouper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program during its meeting June 1–3, 2026. This agenda item concerns the IFQ program that applies to Gulf red grouper participants and may result in changes to how that program is managed.
Permit Requirements in IFQ Programs
On June 2, 2026 the Reef Fish Committee will review Reef Fish Amendment 59A concerning permit requirements in IFQ programs and related advisory panel recommendations. This review applies to holders of fishing permits in Gulf IFQ programs and could affect permit eligibility or administrative requirements.
For‑Hire Data Collection Changes
The Data Collection Committee will review a public-hearing draft Generic Amendment: Modifications to the Gulf For-hire Data Collection Program during the June 1–3, 2026 meeting, including discussion of using a deep-water grouper permit to better identify recreational anglers. This relates to data and permit measures that affect for-hire (charter/party) operators and recreational fishing reporting.
Shrimp Bycatch & Penaeid Criteria
The Shrimp Committee will receive a presentation from the Shrimp Bycatch Methodology for Finfish Species Working Group and review draft options for Status Determination Criteria for the Penaeid Shrimp during the June 1–3, 2026 meeting. These agenda items concern shrimp bycatch methodology and status criteria that relate to commercial shrimp fishing and protected resources interactions.
Habitat Protection Amendment Review
The Habitat Protection and Restoration Committee will review the Essential Fish Habitat Generic Amendment public hearing draft during the June 1–3, 2026 meeting. The amendment concerns habitat protection and restoration measures that could relate to fishing access and allowed activities in designated areas.
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