Key Messages:
- IFQ Shareholders that currently hold SWG shares will receive additional allocation in their IFQ accounts on May 12, 2026.
- The amount of allocation to be distributed to each shareholder is based on the percentage of shares held by each shareholder and the amount of quota withheld (279,590 lb gw).
- When distributing Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) allocation on January 1, 2026, NOAA Fisheries withheld the amount necessary to implement the reduced shallow-water grouper (SWG) commercial annual catch limit (ACL) and commercial quota the Gulf Council proposed in the SWG Framework.
- NOAA Fisheries was unable to finalize implementing regulations prior to June 1, 2026.
- Federal regulations require NOAA Fisheries to distribute the withheld commercial quota if a final rule to implement the quota reduction is not published in the Federal Register and effective by June 1.
- As a result, the remaining 279,590 pounds (lb) gutted weight (gw) of SWG quota that was withheld from distribution will be released on May 12, 2026. The total quota for the year will be 525,000 lb gw.
- The allocation will be distributed to shareholders based on the number of SWG shares held as of the date of distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did NOAA Fisheries withhold SWG Allocation?
- The Gulf Council developed the SWG framework action, which would reduce catch limits for the SWG complex (black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper). This is necessary because a recent stock assessment found that scamp and yellowmouth grouper were at risk of overfishing if harvest remains at current levels.
- IFQ allocation cannot be reclaimed once distributed at the start of the fishing year. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries withheld commercial allocation from IFQ shareholders based on the proposed quota reduction in the event final regulations for the framework action were implemented prior to June 1, 2026.
Why is NOAA Fisheries releasing the withheld SWG Allocation?
- To support IFQ participants’ ability to effectively plan business operations, NOAA Fisheries announced the IFQ quota would only be withheld until June 1, 2026, if the SWG Framework was not implemented by that time. Because the framework action will not be implemented by June 1, 2026, IFQ allocation in the amount withheld from each shareholder will be distributed back to IFQ shareholders.
Who do I contact for more information about this release?
- For more information, contact: Catch Share Customer Support, (866) 425-7627 (Select option 2, from 8 am – 4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time [EST]), nmfs.ser.catchshare@noaa.gov
Where can I find more information on the Framework Action?
- Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Daniel Luers
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 Framework Action may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/modifications-other-shallow-water-grouper-complex-management-measures.
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 Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf 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
