South Atlantic Grouper Fisheries Shut Down for 2026 Season
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the commercial harvest of the scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex in South Atlantic Federal waters. NMFS projects that commercial landings of the scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for 2026. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector of the scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex in South Atlantic Federal waters to protect the scamp and yellowmouth grouper resource from overfishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Commercial sale ban for scamp & yellowmouth
If you commercially fish or run a seafood business in the South Atlantic, you cannot sell or buy scamp and yellowmouth grouper in Federal waters from August 24, 2026, through December 31, 2026. NMFS closed the commercial sector because the commercial annual catch limit for 2026 is 46,147 pounds (20,932 kilograms) and landings are projected to reach that limit.
Permitted vessels limited to recreational limits
If a vessel holds a Federal commercial or charter/vessel headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, harvest and possession of scamp and yellowmouth grouper aboard that vessel are limited to recreational bag and possession limits during the closure. These limits apply regardless of where the fish were harvested (state or Federal waters) and are effective August 24, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
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Key Dates
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