NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ISSUES RULE: REEF FISH FISHERY OF THE GULF OF AMERICA; PARTIAL HOLDBACK OF COMMERCIAL QUOTA FOR THE DEEP-WATER GROUPER COMPLEX

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a rule called: Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Partial Holdback of Commercial Quota for the Deep-Water Grouper Complex.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 23 by Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Summary: NMFS issues this temporary rule to withhold a portion of the commercial allocation of deep-water grouper (DWG) for the 2026 fishing year in anticipation of the upcoming rulemaking for Amendment 58B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP). If approved and implemented, Amendment 58B would, in part, end overfishing of yellowedge grouper an...