Gulf of America Red Grouper Rules Get Major Update
Published Date: 7/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen and fish lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! Amendment 62 changes how much red grouper can be caught and who gets to catch it, based on the latest science. Plus, the usual February-March fishing break for shallow-water grouper is gone, so you can fish year-round. Comments on these changes are open until August 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Commercial catch limits rise sharply
The commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for Gulf red grouper would increase from 2.94 million lb to 4.51 million lb for 2026, 5.08 million lb for 2027, and 5.65 million lb for 2028 and subsequent years. The commercial quota would increase to 4.28 million lb for 2026, 4.83 million lb for 2027, and 5.37 million lb for 2028 and subsequent years; NMFS estimates ex-vessel revenue increases of $2,768,089 in 2026 and average vessel-level revenue increases of $8,543 in 2026 (with profit increases of $2,401 per vessel in 2026).
Recreational ACL and ACT increase; more charters
The recreational ACL for Gulf red grouper would increase to 2.11 million lb for 2026, 2.37 million lb for 2027, and 2.63 million lb for 2028 and subsequent years; the recreational ACT would be 1.92 million lb for 2026, 2.16 million lb for 2027, and 2.39 million lb for 2028 and subsequent years. NMFS expects additional directed charter angler trips of 33,779 in 2026 and 34,359 in 2027 and later years, increasing charter vessel net revenue by about $5,776,209 in 2026 and $5,875,389 in later years (roughly $4,537 per permitted vessel in 2026).
Commercial share grows to 68.2%
The sector allocation of the total ACL would shift from 59.3% commercial / 40.7% recreational to 68.2% commercial / 31.8% recreational based on updated recreational data. Commercial accounts would receive a larger share of the total ACL under the new allocation.
Recreational allocation falls to 31.8%
Because the allocation would change to 31.8% recreational of the total ACL (down from 40.7%), recreational anglers and the for-hire component that serves them would receive a smaller share of the total red grouper catch going forward.
IFQ transfer prices likely to fall; mixed effects
Expanding the commercial red grouper quota increases the volume of quota pounds distributed to IFQ accounts and is expected to put downward pressure on annual allocation transfer prices, which would lower operating costs for the roughly 30% of commercial accounts that rely entirely on transferred allocation. NMFS also notes uncertainty about long-term IFQ share values, which could decline if utilization remains low or buyers are skeptical.
February–March shallow-water closure removed
The proposed rule would remove the recreational shallow-water grouper (SWG) seasonal closure that ran February 1 through March 31 in Gulf Federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary, allowing year-round recreational harvest seaward of that line for species not otherwise closed. NMFS expects this to increase private angler access and could increase for-hire (charter) revenues, although effects are not quantitatively estimated.
Short in-season recreational closure expected Dec 28, 2026
Under the proposed recreational ACL for 2026, NMFS projects a short in-season recreational closure for red grouper on December 28, 2026; no closure is expected in subsequent years under the proposed limits. This would temporarily halt recreational red grouper harvest once the ACL is reached.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-13684 — Pribilof Islands Administration; Dogs Prohibited
Starting August 6, 2026, specially trained rodent detection dogs will be allowed on the Pribilof Islands to help stop invasive rodents from harming local wildlife and communities. This change affects anyone bringing vessels or cargo to the islands, supporting efforts to protect native animals and food security. Public comments are open until the same date, with no new costs expected.
2026-13666 — International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2026 and Beyond
Starting July 7, 2026, new rules will help protect tropical tunas like bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These changes affect fishing boats and aim to keep tuna populations healthy while also protecting sea turtles. The U.S. is stepping up to meet international agreements, balancing fishing with conservation without big cost surprises.
2026-13625 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Wage Mariner Hiring Portal
NOAA is renewing its online Wage Mariner Hiring Portal, which helps people apply for mariner jobs on government ships. About 1,000 applicants fill out info like licenses, work history, and education, taking about an hour each. This extension keeps the portal running smoothly with no new costs or big changes, and the public can comment for 30 more days.
2026-13267 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2026 South Atlantic Red Snapper Commercial Fishing Season
Starting July 13, 2026, commercial fishers in the South Atlantic can catch red snapper until January 1, 2027, or until the catch limit of about 103,000 pounds is hit. This rule helps fishers know exactly when they can fish and keeps the red snapper population healthy. If the limit is reached early, the season will close sooner to protect the fish.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13674 — Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment
The Department of Energy is updating how it sets and reviews energy-saving rules for products like appliances and industrial equipment. These changes include clearer steps, new definitions, and economic checks to make sure energy savings really matter. If you make or sell these products, or just care about saving energy, you can share your thoughts by August 6, 2026, and join a free webinar on July 15 to learn more.
Next: 2026-13687 — Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating how it follows the National Environmental Policy Act to make reviews faster, clearer, and less of a hassle. These changes affect anyone applying for nuclear licenses or permits, cutting down on paperwork and focusing only on important environmental impacts. You’ve got until August 21, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules take shape!