Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures
Key claim: NMFS finalizes regulations reducing catch limits and establishing a recreational fixed-closed season for Gulf of America shallow-water grouper (scamp and yellowmouth grouper) while Amendment 58A is developed.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in a framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf Council (Council). This final rule modifies the Gulf of America (Gulf) Other Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG) complex catch limits and sets a recreational fixed-closed season for Gulf Other SWG. The purpose of this final rule is to reduce harvest of Gulf scamp and yellowmouth grouper while the Council develops Amendment 58A to the FMP (Amendment 58A), which considers additional Other SWG management measures.
Why this matters
Tighter catch limits and a fixed recreational closed season for scamp and yellowmouth grouper directly reduce commercial and charter fishing revenue in Gulf coastal communities and may raise wholesale grouper prices for consumers during closures. The action illustrates how NMFS uses interim rulemaking to constrain harvest while a longer-term amendment (58A) is developed, a recurring pattern in federal fishery management affecting rural coastal economies.