Amended Fishing Regulations Boost Commercial and Recreational Catches of Red Grouper
The United States agency NOAA Fisheries has implemented an emergency rule to increase catch limits for Gulf of America red grouper, providing a significant boost to fishing opportunities for both commercial and recreational fishermen in the region.
The emergency rule raises the annual catch limit (ACL) for the entire red grouper stock to 90% of the allowable biological catch, based on a recent stock assessment indicating sustainable stock levels. This move increases catch limits by approximately 50%, and extends the recreational fishing season through December 31, 2025.
According to Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator, this action is good news for Gulf of America fishermen. The updated stock assessment found that catch limits could be increased substantially while maintaining fishing at a sustainable level.
The emergency rule is effective immediately for the 2025 fishing year, ending December 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the Gulf Council is working on an amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf, which will consider increasing catch limits permanently and reallocating catch between commercial and recreational sectors. NOAA Fisheries and the Council expect to implement this amendment in 2026.
Red grouper is an important species for Gulf of America fishing communities, and this action follows NOAA's broader effort to support fishing opportunities and economic benefits in the region. The agency continues to collaborate with local fishermen and fisheries management councils across the country to improve economic opportunities for American communities.
The amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf will also consider increasing catch limits for Gulf of America red grouper. The council and NOAA Fisheries aim to implement this amendment in 2026, with the goal of promoting opportunities for American fishermen.
In summary, the emergency rule extends the recreational fishing season for red grouper in the Gulf of America and increases catch limits significantly, while the amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf is under development by the Gulf Council, in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries. These actions are part of NOAA's ongoing efforts to support the fishing industry and provide economic benefits to American communities.
The emergency rule by NOAA Fisheries, related to the red grouper in the Gulf of America, is a part of their ongoing efforts to bolster fishing opportunities and economic benefits for fishing communities. This rule increases catch limits by approximately 50% and extends the recreational fishing season, while the amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf will consider permanent catch limit increases and reallocation between commercial and recreational sectors, with an anticipated implementation in 2026. These actions fall under policy-and-legislation and are significant in the realm of fisheries management, as they affect both commercial and recreational fishing, with repercussions for general news and politics.
