South Atlantic Snowy Grouper Recreational Season Closes Early
Published Date: 6/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 7, 2026, recreational fishing for snowy grouper in South Atlantic federal waters will be closed until the new year to protect the fish population. This change happens because anglers caught too many snowy groupers in 2025, so the season is shorter to keep the catch within safe limits. If you love fishing snowy grouper, plan ahead to avoid missing out and help keep the fish healthy!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Snowy Grouper Recreational Closure
If you fish for snowy grouper in South Atlantic federal waters, recreational harvest is closed from 12:01 a.m. local time on June 7, 2026, until 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2027. During the closure the bag and possession limit for snowy grouper is zero; the next recreational season begins May 1, 2027.
Season Shortened After ACL Overrun
NMFS shortened the 2026 recreational season because the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) is 1,713 fish and preliminary 2025 landings were 1,957 fish, exceeding the ACL by 244 fish. NMFS states this reduction notifies recreational sector participants and businesses so they can better plan harvesting activities.
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