Key Message:
- Effective January 6, 2023, the 2022/2023 Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) commercial quota for the king mackerel gillnet component is 634,222 pounds (lbs).
- The use of run-around gillnets for king mackerel is restricted to the Gulf southern zone (see map below).
- The harvest reduction is effective for the 2022/2023 commercial run-around gillnet fishing season, which opens January 17, 2023.
Why This Reduction is Happening:
- The latest report for 2021/2022 Gulf king mackerel gillnet commercial landings indicates 594,362 lbs were harvested; 18,962 lbs greater than the 2021/2022 quota.
- A commercial post-season accountability measure set by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and approved and monitored by NOAA Fisheries requires a reduction in the next fishing year’s quota by the amount of the previous year’s quota overage.
- As a result, the 2022/2023 quota is reduced from 653,184 lbs to 634,222 lbs.
- This action is necessary to protect the king mackerel population and prevent overfishing.
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.
Media Contact: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
