What/When:
The recreational season for blueline tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on May 1, 2024, and close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 19, 2024.
Why This Closure is Happening:
- The 2024 recreational catch limit for the blueline tilefish is 116,820 pounds whole weight.
- In December 2023, NOAA Fisheries updated the recreational accountability measure for blueline tilefish through the final rule for Amendment 52 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The accountability measure states NOAA Fisheries will annually announce the length of the recreational fishing season based on catch rates from the previous season. The fishing season will start on May 1 and end on the date NOAA Fisheries projects the recreational catch limit will be met.
- NOAA Fisheries projects the recreational catch limit will be reached by July 19, 2024.
During and After the Closure:
The closure of the blueline tilefish recreational sector will be effective through 2024. During the closure, the recreational bag and possession limit for blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic federal waters is zero.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR part 622 at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-622/subpart-I.
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, FL 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
