NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed four-year cooperative research project that would use experienced Gulf of America fishermen to locate, verify and study spawning aggregations of important sport and commercial fish species.
The project would involve as many as 120 sampling trips, approximately 30 annually, conducted by trained commercial and charter fishing captains working with fisheries scientists. The goal is to improve understanding of where and when fish gather to spawn, providing information that could help guide future fisheries management.
Target species would include federally managed groupers, snappers, triggerfish, jacks, mackerels and cobia. Researchers would use fishermen's knowledge, existing monitoring data and habitat information to identify potential spawning sites throughout the Gulf, at depths ranging from 10 to 1,800 feet.
Captains participating in the study would collect small numbers of fish at designated locations and times, generally two to five specimens per sampling site. The research could involve hook-and-line methods, including rod and reel, bandit gear and bottom longlines. All fish collected for the study would be donated to charity.
To conduct the research, the applicant is seeking an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that could allow participating vessels to exceed certain bag, size or trip limits and operate in areas or during periods otherwise subject to harvest restrictions. The proposed exemptions would apply only to specifically designated research activities, species, quantities and locations.
NOAA has not approved the permit and is requesting public input before making a decision. The agency will consider public comments, recommendations from the Gulf Fishery Management Councils, input from affected states and the U.S. Coast Guard, and applicable federal laws before determining whether to issue the permit.
Public comments must be submitted by November 12, 2026.
Comments may be submitted electronically through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2026-2806
Written comments may also be mailed to:
Frank Helies
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Additional information about the proposed research and permit application is available at: