Key Message:
NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule increases the commercial trip limit from 16 to 25 triggerfish.
When Will the Rule Take Effect?
- The final rule will be effective September 1, 2023.
What This Means:
- The current gray triggerfish trip limit is 16 gray triggerfish.
- The final rule increases the trip limit to 25 gray triggerfish.
- This rule only affects the commercial sector and does not affect the recreational season or bag limits.
FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 88 FR 50063, published August 1, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the trip limit being increased?
- Since implementation of the 16-fish trip limit in 2018, landings have been below the commercial catch limit, with the exception of 2018 when 100.9% of the catch limit was landed.
- Additionally, since the most recent catch limit increase in 2021, commercial landings have been approximately half of the sector’s catch target and less than half of the sector’s catch limit.
- Commercial fishermen requested the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council increase the trip limit so they have a chance to harvest the annual catch target.
- This action increases the trip limit from 16 fish to 25 fish.
- Although it is estimated that the trip limit increase would increase landings by 33 percent, projections indicate the commercial season would stay open throughout the year with the exception of the fixed June 1 through July 31 season closure.
Where can I find more information on the
- Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Peter Hood
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
By Phone: (727) 824-5305
- The Gray Triggerfish Commercial Trip Limit Framework may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/modification-gray-triggerfish-commercial-trip-limits?check_logged_in=1.
Sign Up For Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures
NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time.
Text alerts you may receive include:
- Immediate fishery openings and closures
- Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly
Sign up for one or more of the following groups:
- Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
- Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text CARIBFISH to 888777
Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information, contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.
Other contacts:
Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202
