Request for Comments on Gulf of America Red Grouper Management Measures
NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf to modify red grouper management measures. The proposed changes are based on recommendations of the Gulf Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee. Amendment 62 would:
- Revise the status determination criteria for red grouper.
- Set the overfishing limit (OFL) and acceptable biological catch (ABC) for red grouper. The total annual catch limit (ACL) would be set at 80% of the ABC in 2026, 90% of the ABC in 2027, and equal to the ABC in 2028 and subsequent years.
- Modify sector ACLs, the commercial quota, and the recreational annual catch target (ACT) and revise sector allocations based on the same reference period used to set current sector allocations (1986-2005), except replacing Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP)-Fishing Effort Survey (FES) data estimates for private recreational vessel harvest with estimates generated by the Florida State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS). As a result of this transition from MRIP-FES to SRFS:
- The recreational sector would be allocated 31.8% of the total ACL. The recreational ACT would continue to be reduced by 9% from the recreational ACL.
- The commercial sector would be allocated 68.2% of the total ACL. The commercial quota would continue to be reduced from the commercial ACL by 5% to allow for the established red grouper multi-use provision.
The comment period for the notice of availability is open now through June 01, 2026. Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2026-0991-0001
- Click the "Comment" icon, complete the required fields.
- Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Dan Luers, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701