Gulf, Atlantic Councils Plan Online Fish Catch Meetings
Published Date: 9/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gulf and South Atlantic Fishery Councils are hosting a fun and important online meeting on October 20, 2026, to talk about new rules for catching reef fish and snapper grouper. These changes could affect how much fish can be caught and who gets to catch them, helping protect fish stocks and support fishing communities. If you care about fishing or the ocean, you can join the webinar or send your thoughts by October 2027!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Possible changes to catch limits
The Gulf and South Atlantic Councils are considering modifying stock catch limits for reef fish and snapper grouper. These changes could change how much commercial and recreational fishers are allowed to catch; the councils are hosting a webinar on October 20, 2026 (6–9 p.m. EDT) to get public comment.
Jurisdictional apportionment changes
The amendment would consider modifying jurisdictional apportionment of reef fish and snapper grouper stocks between regions. Changing apportionment can shift which region’s fishers receive a larger or smaller share of the total allowable catch and may affect regional fishing businesses; the councils solicited public input at the October 20, 2026 webinar.
Regional annual catch limit changes
The Amendment considers modifying regional annual catch limits (ACLs) for reef fish and snapper grouper, which set how much each region may catch in a year. Changes to ACLs can affect annual revenue and fishing season length for commercial and recreational operators; the councils held a public hearing webinar on October 20, 2026.
South Atlantic sector allocation revisions
The amendment would consider modifying South Atlantic sector allocations for reef fish and snapper grouper within the South Atlantic Council’s jurisdiction. Changing sector allocations can shift quota among sectors (for example, commercial vs. recreational) and affect which groups can catch more or less; written comments for the South Atlantic Council are due by 5 p.m. on October 23, 2027.
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