Federal Register #2026-06392

NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Amendment 62 for Gulf Red Grouper Management

NOAA is seeking public comment on Amendment 62 to the Gulf Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan, which proposes regulatory changes for Gulf red grouper management. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Regional Office - Products/Services Requested: - No commercial products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory action. - Amendment 62 proposes: - Increased commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) and quotas for Gulf red grouper, phased in over multiple years - Removal of the February-March recreational seasonal closure for shallow-water grouper in Gulf Federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary - Adjusted sector allocations based on updated scientific stock assessments and new recreational data - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Changes are based on the latest stock assessments (SEDAR 88) and Florida State Reef Fish Survey data - Annual interim stock analyses will guide future management decisions - Amendment includes an environmental assessment, regulatory impact review, and fishery impact statement - Locations: - Gulf Federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary (place of performance) - NMFS Southeast Regional Office, St. Petersburg, FL (government facility)

Description

The Gulf Council has submitted Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf for review and implementation by NMFS. This amendment proposes to revise catch limits and sector allocations for Gulf red grouper based on updated scientific data. Additionally, it seeks to remove the February 1 through March 31 shallow-water grouper recreational seasonal closure in Gulf Federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary. The amendment aims to better reflect current stock assessments and improve fishery management measures.

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