Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-07792
Temporary Closure of Recreational Gag Fishing in South Atlantic Federal Waters
Posted
April 22, 2026
Identifier
2026-07792
This notice announces a temporary regulatory closure for recreational gag fishing in South Atlantic Federal waters: - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Regional Office - Action Details: - Temporary closure of the recreational gag (grouper) fishing season in South Atlantic Federal waters - Closure is a response to 2025 recreational landings exceeding the annual catch limit (ACL) - The 2026 recreational season will close early to prevent exceeding the 2026 ACL of 220,030 pounds - Closure is effective from August 2, 2026, until January 1, 2027 - Next season will begin May 1, 2027 - Products/Services Requested: - No procurement of goods or services; this is a regulatory action only - Unique Requirements: - Closure supports sustainable fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Act - Affects only recreational fishing activities for gag in federal waters - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement opportunity
Description
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements an accountability measure and closure for the recreational harvest of gag in South Atlantic Federal waters. This action is due to recreational landings exceeding the annual catch limit (ACL) in 2025. To prevent exceeding the ACL in 2026, NMFS reduces the length of the 2026 recreational season, closing it on August 2, 2026. The closure is effective from 12:01 a.m. on August 2, 2026, until 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2027.