New Limits Hit South Atlantic Grouper Catches, Trap Rules
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 28, 2026, new rules will change how many gag and black groupers recreational fishers can catch and make it easier for commercial boats to carry special black sea bass traps through certain areas. These changes help protect fish populations while making fishing trips smoother and more practical. If you fish or work in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery, these updates affect your catch limits and gear handling.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Two-Fish Vessel Limit for Recreational Trips
Starting October 28, 2026, recreational vessels (private and for-hire) are limited to two gag or black grouper total per day (private) or per trip (for-hire) in any combination. The per-angler bag limit remains one gag or black grouper per person per day, and vessel limits apply only when there are two or more anglers on board (for example, three anglers on a private boat may only land two total gag/black grouper).
Headboats and Charter Trips Also Limited to Two Fish
For-hire vessels, including charter vessels and headboats, are limited to two gag or black grouper per trip in any combination starting October 28, 2026. Comments noted this affects headboats that carry many anglers (one comment referenced vessels carrying 40 or more people); NMFS kept the two-fish-per-trip limit and the Council is developing Regulatory Amendment 39 to consider limits for headboats with more than six anglers.
Easier Transit Rules for Ropeless Sea Bass Pots
Beginning October 28, 2026, commercial vessels transiting marine protected areas (MPAs) and spawning special management zones (SMZs) may keep buoys connected to on-demand (ropeless) black sea bass pots while transiting, provided those pots are not baited. Buoys must still be disconnected for traditional roped sea bass pots; the change applies only to on-demand (ropeless) gear.
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