Gulf Fishermen, Grab Your Calendars: Another Council Meeting!
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is holding a four-day meeting from August 24-27, 2026, to discuss important changes affecting fishing in the Gulf of America. Fishermen, businesses, and communities relying on Gulf fisheries should pay attention as budget plans, data collection updates, and new fishing rules will be reviewed. You can join in person in Biloxi, MS, or tune in online—no fishing license needed to listen!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 6 mixed.
Red Snapper Catch Limits & Allocation Decision Points
The Reef Fish Committee will discuss decision points for Red Snapper catch limits and allocations at the August 25, 2026 meeting. Decisions on limits or allocation shares could change how much Red Snapper different sectors can catch.
For-hire Data Collection Changes Reviewed
If you operate a for-hire fishing business in the Gulf, the Council will review Final Action on the Generic Amendment: Modifications to the Gulf For-hire Data Collection Program at its August 24-27, 2026 meeting in Biloxi, MS. That review could lead to formal changes in data collection rules for for-hire trips.
Delegating Red Snapper For-hire Management
The Council will review draft options for Reef Fish Amendment 64 to delegate federal for-hire Red Snapper management to Gulf states at the August 25, 2026 session. If adopted later, delegation could change which rules apply to for-hire Red Snapper trips.
IFQ Permit Requirement Changes Considered
The Council will review draft Reef Fish Amendment 59A on Permit Requirements in Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) programs during the August 25, 2026 meeting. Changes could alter who needs permits or how IFQ permits are managed.
Private Recreational Red Snapper Accountability Measures
The Council will review draft Modifications to Red Snapper Private Recreational Post-Season Accountability Measures on August 25, 2026. Changes to accountability measures could affect private recreational anglers' seasons or allowable catch levels.
Mutton & Yellowtail Snapper Measures; Exempted Permits
The Council will review public hearing drafts for Reef Fish Amendment 55/Snapper Grouper Amendment 44 on Mutton Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper management measures and discuss any Exempted Fishing Permits on August 25, 2026. These actions could change rules for those fisheries or allow experimental fishing under permits.
Five-Year Standardized Bycatch Reporting Discussed
The Sustainable Fisheries Committee will discuss the Five-Year Standardized Bycatch Reporting methodology on August 26, 2026. Updated bycatch reporting approaches could affect how bycatch is tracked and managed in Gulf fisheries.
MRIP-FES Pilot Study Presentation
The Council will receive a presentation on the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) - Fishing Effort Survey (FES) Pilot Study Results during the August 24-27, 2026 meeting. The pilot results may inform how recreational fishing effort is measured and later used in management decisions.
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