Request for Comments: Proposed Rule for Framework Amendment 14 to Modify the Catch Limit and Accountability Measure for Gulf of America Spanish Mackerel

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for a framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf and Atlantic Region to modify management measures for Gulf Spanish mackerel.  The framework action and proposed rule would:

• Decrease the Gulf Spanish mackerel annual catch limit from 11.3 million pounds (mp) to 9.63 mp.
• Modify the accountability measure from being an in-season closure to a post-season monitoring accountability measure. 

The framework action and proposed rule were developed in response to the results of the most recent stock assessment for Gulf Spanish mackerel, which indicates the stock is healthy but requires an adjustment in allowable catch to maintain the stock at a productive level that can maximize yield and fishing opportunities over the long-term.

How to Comment on the Proposed Rule:

The comment period is open now through August 21, 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 46042, published July 22, 2026.

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. 

1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2026-0794  

2. Click the "Comment" icon, complete the required fields.

3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Kelli O’Donnell, 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 reduce the stock annual catch limit and modify the accountability measure for Gulf Spanish mackerel.

Why is NOAA Fisheries taking this action?

• The most recent stock assessment for Gulf Spanish mackerel was completed in 2023 and was determined to be best scientific information available.  Catch limit recommendations within the assessment were accepted by the Gulf Council, who asked NOAA Fisheries to implement them. 
• The accountability measure modification was requested by the Gulf Council to expand fishing opportunities across fishing years under the reduced catch limits while still maintaining accountability for the status of the stock.

Where can I find more information on the Framework Action?

• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Kelli O’Donnell

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

• Framework Amendment 14 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/framework-14-modifications-spanish-mackerel-catch-limits-gulf-america 

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