Recreational Blueline Tilefish Season in South Atlantic Federal Waters Will Remain Open until September 1, 2026

What/When:

The recreational season for blueline tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic opened at 12:01 a.m., local time,on May 1, 2026, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time,on September 1, 2026.

Why This Announcement is Happening:

• NOAA Fisheries must annually project the length of the recreational fishing season for blueline tilefish based on catch rates from the previous fishing year and announce the recreational fishing season end date.
• This requirement is in accordance with the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region.
• Each year, the recreational fishing season for blueline tilefish opens on May 1 and closes September 1 or when NOAA Fisheries projects the recreational catch limit will be reached, whichever is sooner. The season is closed from January 1 through April 30, and from September 1 through December 31.
• The 2026 recreational catch limit for the blueline tilefish is 116,820 pounds whole weight.
• NOAA Fisheries projects the recreational catch limit will not be met before the fixed seasonal closure takes effect September 1, 2026. Therefore, the recreational season for blueline tilefish will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 1, 2026, and reopen on May 1, 2027, unless otherwise specified.

During and After the Closure:

• During the opening, the recreational bag limit is two blueline tilefish per person per day. No blueline tilefish may be retained by the captain or crew of a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat. There is no minimum size limit requirement.
• A descending device is required on board all vessels fishing for or possessing snapper and grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic.
• During the closure, the recreational bag and possession limit for blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic federal waters is zero.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR part 622 at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-622/subpart-I .

Sign Up for Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures

NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery-related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time.

Text alerts you may receive include:

• Immediate fishery openings and closures
• Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly

Sign up for one or more of the following groups:

• Gulf of America Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
• Gulf of America Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
• South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
• South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
• Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts

Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office

Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, FL now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.

Other contacts:

Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750

Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202