NOAA Fisheries is seeking public input on a proposed cooperative research project that would study fish spawning aggregations throughout the Gulf of Mexico, including identifying key spawning locations and monitoring when and where commercially and recreationally important species gather to reproduce.

The agency is accepting comments through Nov. 12 on an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) that would allow participating commercial fishermen and recreational charter captains to conduct targeted sampling trips as part of the four-year research effort.

The project aims to verify, characterize, monitor and model multi-species fish spawning aggregations. Researchers hope the findings will help improve scientific understanding of spawning activity and provide information to support fisheries management decisions.

The proposed study would involve up to 120 sampling trips over four years, or approximately 30 trips annually. Trained professional captains would conduct the trips without scientists aboard, working as part of a designated study fleet.

The project also would establish advisory groups and work with fishermen to identify priority spawning locations for research. An initial group of potential sites was identified during a workshop funded through the Restore Science Program. Additional locations would be identified through meetings with small groups of fishermen in 2026 and 2027, as well as throughout the project using information from monitoring databases, bathymetric data, published and unpublished research, seasonal patterns and fishermen's knowledge.

Participating fishermen would operate federally permitted commercial or recreational for-hire vessels and receive compensation through arrangements established in advance. Captains would be required to complete training and certification before joining the study fleet.

Sampling would be limited to predetermined species, locations and time periods approved in advance. Potential research sites could span the entire Gulf, ranging from depths of 10 feet to 1,800 feet. Sampling could take place at any time of the year.

Fishermen would use hook-and-line equipment, including automatic reels, bandit gear, bottom longlines and conventional rod-and-reel setups, to collect samples of species known to gather in spawning aggregations.

Target species would include commercially and recreationally important fish managed under federal regulations, including triggerfish, groupers, snappers, jacks, mackerel and cobia.

The number of fish collected at each predicted spawning location and time would be kept to a minimum, generally between two and five fish. The application particularly emphasizes limiting collections of large-bodied and slower-growing species.

Fishermen also would document any non-target species caught during sampling. Those fish would either be released, using a descending device when possible, or retained by study participants if allowed under applicable regulations. All fish collected for the research would be donated to charity.

Samples and accompanying data sheets would be transferred to project scientists with chain-of-custody signatures. The documentation would help ensure all samples are accounted for, collection limits are followed and participant compensation is properly recorded.

The requested permit would allow participating fishermen to operate under certain exemptions from existing federal fishing regulations. Depending on the exemptions granted, participants could be allowed to exceed certain bag, size or trip limits or access areas and fish during periods otherwise subject to harvest restrictions.

The application seeks exemptions allowing participants to harvest the requested species and quantities of Gulf reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic fish at any time during a year.

NOAA Fisheries determined the application warrants further consideration and is opening it to public comment. However, the agency has not approved the permit. A final decision will depend on its review of public comments, recommendations from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, consultations with affected states and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that the project complies with all applicable laws.

HOW TO COMMENT

NOAA Fisheries will accept public comments through Nov. 12, 2026, either electronically through the federal e-Rulemaking Portal or by postal mail. To comment online, visit www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2026-2806, select the "Comment" option, complete the required fields and enter or attach comments.

Written comments may be mailed to Frank Helies, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Comments submitted by email or other methods, sent to a different address or individual, or received after the deadline may not be considered.

Additional information about the application and proposed research is available at https://tinyurl.com/35jh5tjy.