NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed update to red grouper management in the Gulf of Mexico that would raise catch limits, adjust sector allocations and eliminate a seasonal recreational closure.

The proposal, known as Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf, was published in the Federal Register as 91 FR 16623 on April 2, 2026. It reflects recommendations from the Gulf of America Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and is intended to increase harvest opportunities while maintaining sustainability.

Federal officials said the latest stock assessment shows red grouper populations can support higher catch levels without harm, prompting revisions to key management benchmarks including the overfishing limit and acceptable biological catch.

Under the amendment, the total annual catch limit would be phased in over three years, starting at 80% of the acceptable biological catch in 2026, rising to 90% in 2027 and reaching 100% in 2028 and beyond.

For 2026, the overfishing limit would be set at 10.63 million pounds gutted weight, with an acceptable biological catch of 8.28 million pounds and a total annual catch limit of 6.62 million pounds. The recreational sector would receive 2.11 million pounds, with a target of 1.92 million pounds, while the commercial sector would receive 4.51 million pounds and a quota of 4.28 million pounds.

In 2027, the total annual catch limit would increase to 7.45 million pounds, including 2.37 million pounds for recreational fishing with a 2.16 million-pound target and 5.08 million pounds for commercial fishing with a 4.83 million-pound quota.

Beginning in 2028, the total annual catch limit would match the acceptable biological catch at 8.28 million pounds. Of that, 2.63 million pounds would be allocated to recreational fishing with a 2.39 million-pound target, while 5.65 million pounds would be allocated to commercial fishing with a quota of 5.37 million pounds.

The amendment would also revise how the catch is divided between sectors. Recreational fishing would account for 31.8% of the total annual catch limit, while commercial fishing would account for 68.2%. Those allocations are based on historical landings data from 1986 to 2005, with updated estimates for private recreational fishing drawn from the Florida State Reef Fish Survey replacing earlier federal survey data.

Buffer reductions would remain in place, with the recreational target set 9% below its allocation and the commercial quota set 5% below its allocation to account for the established multi-use provision.

Another major component of the proposal would remove the February through March recreational closure for shallow-water grouper in federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom boundary. The closure currently applies to red grouper, gag, black grouper, yellowmouth grouper, scamp and yellowfin grouper.

NOAA Fisheries said eliminating the closure is expected to expand access for recreational anglers while supporting optimum yield, a standard that balances conservation with economic and fishing opportunities.

Public comment on the amendment is open through June 1, 2026. Submissions may be made electronically at www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2026-0991-0001 or by mail to Dan Luers, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

For more information, contact the Southeast Regional Office at (727) 824-5305 or visit www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-62-gulf-red-grouper-management-measures.