Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62
Key claim: NMFS proposes to revise catch limits and sector allocations for Gulf of America red grouper and remove the shallow-water grouper recreational seasonal closure from February 1 through March 31 in Gulf Federal waters.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP) (Amendment 62), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf Council (Council). This proposed rule and Amendment 62 would revise the catch limits and sector allocations for Gulf of America (Gulf) red grouper, based on the best scientific information available. Additionally, this proposed rule would remove the shallow-water grouper (SWG) recreational seasonal closure, from February 1 through March 31, in Gulf Federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary.
Why this matters
Adjustments to red grouper catch limits and sector allocations directly affect commercial fishermen’s ex-vessel revenue and consumer wholesale prices for a high-value reef fish, while removing the February–March recreational closure expands charter and private angler access during a peak winter season in Gulf states. The rule illustrates the routine tradeoffs NMFS makes between commercial and recreational sectors under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Overall consumer-price impact is likely modest but could shift regional supply timing.