NOAA Fisheries has released details for the 2024 gag grouper recreational season in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The season will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 1, and will close at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 16. This decision aligns with projections that the 2024 recreational annual catch target for gag will be met by Sept. 15, necessitating the closure.

Reason for closure

The gag grouper season is curtailed due to projections indicating that the 2024 recreational catch target will be reached by Sept. 15. In compliance with federal regulations, NOAA Fisheries must stop harvest once the target is met or anticipated to be met, thereby prompting the closure on Sept.16.

Regulations during closure

During the closure, possession and bag limits for gag grouper will be zero in federal waters. This prohibition extends to state waters for vessels holding a valid federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish.
Catch levels and management

For context, the 2023 recreational annual catch limit for gag was 403,759 pounds gutted weight, based on landings estimates from the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). Actual 2023 landings were significantly higher, at 737,706 pounds. In response to stock assessments showing the gag grouper population is overfished and experiencing overfishing, NOAA Fisheries implemented revised catch limits under Amendment 56 to the Fishery Management Plan.

For 2024, the recreational annual catch limit is set at 288,000 pounds gutted weight, with a target of 230,000 pounds. However, because 2023's landings exceeded the adjusted catch limit (calibrated to 211,588 pounds), the 2024 limits have been reduced to 163,376 pounds gutted weight, with a target of 105,376 pounds.

Season determination

The 2024 season was determined through collaboration between NOAA Fisheries and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, using projected fall harvest rates and previous years' data. NOAA selected an early closure date to avoid surpassing the catch limit, mindful of the significant 2023 overage and its potential impacts on future seasons.

For more information on the regulations and updates for the gag grouper season, visit NOAA Fisheries' official website.