Snapper Rules May Require Selling Every Fish Caught
Published Date: 7/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings to discuss changes to snapper grouper fishing rules. They’re thinking about making it easier to get commercial permits, changing gear rules, raising catch limits, and requiring all catch to be sold. These meetings happen in August 2026 and affect commercial fishers who want to stay in the game and follow new rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Easier Transfer of Commercial Permits
The amendment would remove the 2-for-1 requirement for obtaining a transferable snapper grouper (SG1) commercial permit, which would make it easier to transfer permits and could increase active participation by permit holders. The Council is holding public hearings on August 10, 11, 19, and a webinar on August 31, 2026; written comments are due September 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Maintain Permit Count for Stability
Amendment 60 aims to maintain the current number of commercial snapper grouper permits to increase the long-term stability of the commercial fishery and support economic profitability. Hearings are scheduled August 10, 11, 19, and a webinar on August 31, 2026; written comments must arrive by September 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Allow Gear Switching During Trips
The amendment would revise bottom longline gear stowage requirements and species restrictions so commercial vessels could switch to or from longline gear during a single commercial trip, improving trip efficiency while keeping law enforcement able to monitor gear. Public hearings are on August 10, 11, 19 and a webinar on August 31, 2026; comments due September 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Higher Trip Limits for Several Species
Amendment 60 includes actions to consider increasing commercial trip limits for greater amberjack, vermilion snapper, red porgy, hogfish (Georgia–North Carolina stock), red grouper, gray triggerfish, and golden tilefish (hook-and-line only), to better achieve optimum yield and increase trip efficiency. The Council will take public comment at hearings on August 10, 11, 19, and a webinar on August 31, 2026; written comments are due September 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Require Sale of All Commercial Catch
The amendment would require sale of all snapper grouper harvested by commercial vessels, a change the Council says would improve reporting accuracy and ensure commercial permits are used only to harvest fish for sale. The public hearings are August 10, 11, 19 (in-person) and August 31, 2026 (webinar); written comments must be received by September 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2026-17798, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a stakeholder workshop jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to facilitate a focused discussion on alternatives currently under development for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14374, Notice of Proposals To Engage in or To Acquire Companies Engaged in Permissible Nonbanking Activities
Some companies want to start or buy businesses that do activities related to banking but aren’t banks themselves. The Federal Reserve is checking these plans and asking the public to share their thoughts by August 17, 2026. This affects companies across the U.S. and could lead to new business moves in the banking world soon!
Next: 2026-14376, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Defense Logistics Agency is retiring its old system for sharing news about military and civilian staff with hometown media. Starting August 17, 2026, all those updates will move to a newer system called the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). This change affects anyone involved in sharing or receiving DLA news and helps keep things simpler and more up-to-date—no extra costs or delays expected!