Modifications to Other Shallow Water Grouper Complex Management Measures

The Framework Action and final rule implement changes under the Gulf Reef Fish FMP that reduce catch limits for the Other SWG complex (scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper) in the Gulf of America and establish a fixed closed season for the recreational sector that is expected to constrain harvest to the revised catch limit. The Gulf Council (Council) developed the Framework Action based on the most recent stock assessment of scamp and yellowmouth grouper (Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review [SEDAR] 68), which indicates that harvest must be reduced.