Final Rule: Framework Action to Reduce Catch Limits and Modify the Recreational Fishing Season for the Gulf Other Shallow-Water Grouper Complex

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries is implementing a final rule for a framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf to reduce catch limits and implement a recreational fixed-closed season for the Gulf Other Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG) complex. The Gulf Other SWG complex consists of scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper. The changes are based on recommendations of the Gulf Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee. The final rule will:

• Reduce the Other SWG complex acceptable biological catch by 54.7%.
• Set the stock complex annual catch limit (ACL) at 322,000 pounds gutted weight (lb gw).
• Set the commercial ACL at 255,000 lb gw.
• Set the commercial annual catch target (ACT; or quota) at 245,000 lb gw.

• Set a fixed closed season for recreational harvest of Other SWG complex species from January 1 through June 30 each year (season open July 1 through December 31).

When Rule Will Take Effect:

The management measures contained in the final rule will be effective on January 1, 2027.

Formal Federal Regist er Name/Number: 91 FR 36545 , published June 17, 2026.

What is NOAA Fisheries announcing today?

• NOAA Fisheries is implementing a final rule for Gulf of America (Gulf) Other Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG). The rule will:
  • Update Gulf Other SWG catch limits
  • Set a fixed-closed season from January 1 through June 30 each year during which recreational harvest of Other SWG species would be prohibited.
  • The recreational Other SWG season will close on January 1, 2027, and we reopen on July 1, 2027.

What is the "Other Shallow-Water Grouper complex?

• The Other SWG complex is composed of four grouper species: scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper.
• This complex was formed based on the depth at which these species were generally caught, and whether it was common for these species to be caught on the same fishing trips.
• NOAA Fisheries manages Other SWG as a complex. Catch limits and management measures are set for the complex of four species, rather than for each species individually.

Why is NOAA Fisheries taking action?

• The most recent stock assessment of Gulf scamp and yellowmouth grouper found that their populations are lower than they have been historically, and that these species are being harvested at unsustainable levels.
• Based on recommendations from their Scientific and Statistical Committee, the Gulf Council initiated work on Amendment 58A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf, which considers compositional changes to the Other SWG complex, changes to catch limits, modification of the commercial Individual Fishing Quota program, and other management measures.
• In recognition of the complexity of Amendment 58A, the Council developed this action to change catch limits and the recreational season for the Other SWG complex until Amendment 58A can be finalized and implemented.
• The management measures in this final rule are expected to reduce harvest of Other SWG species, and lessen the likelihood of overfishing scamp and yellowmouth grouper.
  

Where can I find more information on the Framework Action?

• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Daniel Luers

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

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 Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
• Gulf 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, Florida, 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