Key Message:
NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for a framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf. The framework and proposed rule would withhold 275,000 pounds of the 2027 commercial red grouper quota, in anticipation of creating a commercial quota pool in 2027.
How to Comment on the Proposed Rule:
The comment period is open now through October 13, 2026. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.
Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 91 FR 57532, published September 10, 2026.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2026-1882-0002/
2. Click the "Comment" icon, complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is NOAA Fisheries announcing today?
- NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule to withhold a portion of the 2027 commercial Gulf of America red grouper quota. If the quota pool (described below) is not implemented by May 1, 2027, the withheld quota would be distributed to shareholders.
Why is NOAA Fisheries proposing this action?
- The most recent stock assessment of Gulf red grouper found that the population is healthy and catch limits can be increased. Catch limit increases for 2026 and onward are currently proposed in Amendment 62 to the Reef Fish FMP which is currently in rulemaking.
- In anticipation of the pending substantial red grouper quota increase, the Gulf Council developed Amendment 63 to the Reef Fish FMP which would establish a three-year pilot program, beginning in 2027, for setting aside a portion of the increase in red grouper commercial quota for a quota pool. The Gulf Council approved Amendment 63 for NOAA Fisheries review and implementation at the Council’s June 2026 meeting.
- This framework action was developed to support the implementation of Amendment 63. The proposed rule would allow NOAA Fisheries to implement Amendment 63, if approved, in the 2027 fishing year.
How does this action support implementation of Amendment 63?
- NOAA Fisheries annually distributes the red grouper commercial quota around January 1 for that fishing year. For Amendment 63 to be implemented in 2027, NOAA Fisheries would have to withhold the percentage of the quota on January 1 that would be necessary to establish the quota pool.
- This proposed rule would provide NOAA Fisheries the authority to withhold a percentage of the 2027 commercial quota of red grouper equivalent to the portion proposed for the quota pool in Amendment 63 (275,000 pounds gutted weight).
- If Amendment 63 is not approved and implemented by May 1, 2027, the withheld quota would be distributed to shareholders.
Where can I find more information on the Framework Action?
- Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Frank Helies
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 Website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/red-grouper-quota-holdback-anticipation-amendment-63-implementation/
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
