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Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan

Gulf of Mexico

About

 

The reef fish management plan is designed to rebuild declining reef fish stocks and support the sustainable use of reef fish resources in the Gulf of Mexico.

See current rules that are open for comment here.

To reach Sustainable Fisheries staff, please call (727) 824-5305, or see individual Fishery Management Plan Actions for specific contacts.

More Information

Maps and GIS
​​​​​​Annual Catch Limit Monitoring Marine Protected Areas
Seasonal Closures Longline & Buoy Gear Restricted Area Map
Sea Turtle and Smalltooth Sawfish Release Protocols Longline Seasonal Prohibition Map
Red Snapper Overview Shallow Water Grouper Closure Map
Species Managed and Stock Status  
Biological Opinion on the Reef Fish Fishery (Coming Soon)  
Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program  
Dealer Permits and Reporting Amendment  
SIGN UP for Fishery Bulletins & Text Message Alerts  
RETURN to Gulf of Mexico  

Species Managed

Actions

Under Development Implemented Actions

Interim Action to Reduce Overfishing of Gag in the Gulf of Mexico

Interim Action to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf of Mexico Including Environmental Assessment, Regulatory Impact Review, and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis; November 2022
Proposed Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Comments Close
02/21/2023

Framework Action : Historical Captain Permits Conversion into Standard Federal Charter/Headboat Permits

The proposed rule will address the Framework Action to provide federal for-hire operators in the Gulf an opportunity to replace their reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic historical captain permits with standard Gulf charter/headboat permits.
Proposed Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Comments Close
02/27/2023

Amendment 54: Modifications to Greater Amberjack Catch Limits, Sector Allocation, and Rebuilding Plan

Reef Fish 54 considers alternatives to adjust the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) greater amberjack overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and sector annual catch limits and annual catch targets consistent with the most recent Southeast Data Assessment and
Proposed Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Published
01/23/2023

Modification of Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper Overfishing Limit, Acceptable Biological Catch, and Annual Catch Limit

This action would modify the overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), and annual catch limit (ACL) for the Gulf vermilion snapper stock.
Proposed Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Issued
12/06/2022

Modification of Catch Limits for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper

Modification of Catch Limits for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper; Framework Action to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf of Mexico; October 2022
Information Gathering
,
Gulf of Mexico
Issued
12/01/2022

Framework Action: Modifications to Location Reporting Requirements for For-Hire Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico

The proposed rule would provide flexibility to for-hire operators with a federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf of Mexico reef fish or Gulf coastal migratory pelagic species who report a malfunction with a vessel’s location-positioning device.
Information Gathering
,
Gulf of Mexico
Issued
11/10/2022

Amendment 48 to the Gulf Reef Fish FMP and Amendment 5 to the Gulf Red Drum FMP

Amendment 48 to the Gulf Reef Fish FMP and Amendment 5 to the Gulf Red Drum FMP establish MSY proxies, overfishing and overfished determination criteria (aka MSSTs), and optimum yield (OY) for some reef fish species and red drum.
Notice
,
Gulf of Mexico
Published
03/10/2022

Framework Action: Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limits and Annual Catch Targets

The purpose of the rule is to continue the Gulf red grouper commercial and recreational annual catch limit (ACL) and annual catch target (ACT) reductions implemented in 2019. The reductions in harvest in 2019 were put in place through an emergency rule.&n
Proposed Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Published
07/19/2019

Carryover Provisions and Framework Modifications

The purpose of this amendment to is establish a carryover provision for managed reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) stocks. Carryover provisions would apply to stocks and stock complexes with sector allocations. Unused portions of the secto
Information Gathering
,
Gulf of Mexico
Issued
03/11/2019

Red Snapper Data Calibrations and Catch Limit Modifications

This final rule implements framework actions which modify the state-specific red snapper private angling component ACLs using the calibration ratios developed by NMFS and adjust red snapper catch limits.
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
01/01/2023

Amendment 53: Red Grouper Allocations and Catch Levels

Amendment 53: Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Allocations and Catch Levels
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Published
05/02/2022

Framework Action to Implement Modification of the Gulf of Mexico Lane Snapper Catch Limits and Accountability Measures

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for lane snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Comments are due by November 2, 2021. The proposed rule would increase the lane snapper annual catch limit from 301,000 lb whole weight to 1,028,973 lb
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Published
12/23/2021

Modification of Fishing Access in Eastern Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Areas

Modification of Fishing Access in Eastern Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Areas
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
08/20/2021

Framework Action: Modification to Gray Triggerfish Catch Limits

Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Issued
06/29/2021

Framework Amendment to Modify Multi-Day Trip Possession Limits for Federal Permitted Charter/Headboat Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico

Generic Abbreviated Framework: Modification of For-hire Multi-day Trip Possession Limits
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
03/26/2021

Gulf of Mexico Modifications to Charter Vessel and Headboat Reporting Requirements

The For-Hire Electronic Reporting Amendment would modify data reporting requirements for federally permitted for-hire vessels (charter vessels and headboats) in the Gulf of Mexico to declare (hail-out) the type of trip (for-hire or other) prior to departi
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
01/05/2021

Amendment 51: Establish Gray Snapper Status Determination Criteria and Modify Annual Catch Limits

Gray snapper is a federally managed species caught in the Gulf of Mexico. The species is targeted inshore and offshore on natural and artificial reefs. Amendment 51 would establish overfished and overfishing definitions for the Gulf of Mexico gray snapper
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
12/17/2020

Framework Action: Replacement of Historical Captain Permits with Standard Federal Charter/Headboat Permits

This amendment and rule will provide an opportunity for eligible individuals to replace historical captain permits in the reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic fisheries with standard federal for-hire permits.  The rule would apply to ind
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
South Atlantic
Effective
05/21/2020

Framework Action: Greater Amberjack Commercial Trip Limits

This framework and rule would reduce the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) greater amberjack commercial trip limit from 1,500 lbs gutted weight (gw) to 1,000 lbs gw with a step-down to 250 lbs gw when 75 percent of the quota has been landed.  The need for this action is to extend the Gulf greater amberjack commercial fishing season by constraining the harvest rate while continuing to prevent overfishing and rebuild the stock.  The Framework Action was approved by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council at its June 2019 meeting.    
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
05/14/2020

Framework Action to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico - Modification to the Recreational For-hire Red Snapper

This action would retain the 9 percent buffer between the annual catch target (ACT) and annual catch limit (ACL) for the red snapper for-hire component, which was implemented in 2019. The ACT is used to set the season length. This action will allow the fe
Final Rule
Effective
03/23/2020

Amendment 50A-F: State Management Program for Recreational Red Snapper

NOAA Fisheries, in collaboration with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council), is developing a State Management Program Amendment for Recreational Red Snapper to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
02/06/2020

2019 Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish In-Season Actions

This is a list of the in-season actions related to the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan, such as fishery closures, that occurred in the 2019 calendar year.
Temporary Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Issued
12/31/2019

Amendment 49: Modify Sea Turtle Release Gear and the Reef Fish Framework Procedure

The final rule for Amendment 49 adds three newly approved sea turtle release devices and updates the regulations to simplify and clarify the specifications for other release gear requirements.  The new devices and updates provide
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
06/17/2019

Emergency Rule to Modify the Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Annual Catch Limit

This temporary rule would reduce the Gulf red grouper commercial and recreational annual catch limits and associated annual catch targets to provide increased protections to the stock. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council requested commercial and
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
05/17/2019

Framework Action: Modification to the Recreational Red Snapper Annual Catch Target Buffers

The purpose of this framework is to reduce the federal for-hire component's red snapper annual catch target (ACT) buffer to a level that would allow a greater harvest in 2019 while continuing to constrain landings to the for-hire component and total
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
04/04/2019

Framework Action: Modification to the Recreational Red Snapper Annual Catch Target Buffers & Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper and West

The actions in these two framework amendments will be combined during the rule making process, allowing the public to see the resulting ACLs and provide comment.  The purpose of the framework actions are to  modify the annual catch limits (
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
04/04/2019

Framework Action: Modification of Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper and West Florida Hogfish Annual Catch Limits

The purpose of the framework is to modify the annual catch limits (ACLs) for Gulf red snapper and west Florida hogfish based on the most recent stock assessments. The assessments indicated that neither stock was overfished or experiencing overfishing
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
04/04/2019

Framework Action: Modifications to Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures

This framework modifies mutton snapper allowable harvest based on revised scientific recommendations and considers simplified management measures allowing for consistency of mutton and gag regulations between sectors, between state and federal waters, and
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
07/23/2018

Reef Fish Amendment 36A: Modifications to Commercial Individual Fishing Quota Programs

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on Amendment 36A at their April 2017 meeting. The purpose of this action improve compliance and increase management flexibility in the Gulf individual fishing quota (IFQ) programs as well as
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
07/12/2018

Reef Fish Amendment 47: Establish a Vermilion Snapper MSY Proxy and Adjust the Stock Annual Catch Limit

This Amendment and proposed rule address the calculation for the estimate of the vermilion snapper stock's maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and an increase in the stock annual catch limit (ACL). For vermilion snapper, there is a high degree of variability
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
06/13/2018

Framework Action to Modify the Greater Amberjack Fishing Year and the Recreational Fixed Closed Season

This framework modifies the recreational fishing year and fixed closed season for Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack. Amendment (This amendment needs to be updated from the library) Modifications to the Greater Amberjack Fishing Year and the Recrea
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
04/30/2018

Framework Action to Modify the Number of Unrigged Hooks Carried Onboard Bottom Longline Vessels

This framework allows for an unlimited number of unrigged hooks onboard commercial reef fish vessels with a bottom longline  endorsement; however, no more than 750 hooks can be fished or rigged for fishing.  (This page needs to be tagged with
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
02/06/2018

Framework Action to Modify Greater Amberjack Allowable Harvest and Rebuilding Plan

This framework modifies the allowable harvest and rebuilding plan for the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack stock as a result of the most recent stock assessment and modifies the recreational fixed closed season. (This page needs to be tagged with Great
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
01/27/2018

Reef Fish Amendment 46: Gray Triggerfish Rebuilding Plan

This Amendment and proposed rule address a determination that the rebuilding of the Gulf gray triggerfish stock is not making adequate progress.  The amendment and rule would establish a 9-year rebuilding time period, retain the current gray triggerf
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
01/16/2018

Amendment 44: Minimum Stock Size Threshold Revision for Reef Fish Stocks with Existing Status Determination Criteria

A stock is considered overfished when the population size is considered too low.  If this occurs, a rebuilding plan is needed.  For managed stocks, overfished thresholds (also known as minimum stock size thresholds) are established so that if th
Final Rule
Effective
12/28/2017

Modifications to Federally Permitted Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements

Effective August 7, 2014, the action modifies permitting and reporting requirements for seafood dealers who first receive federally managed species.  This action is intended to improve the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of data r
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
08/07/2014

Modification of the Coastal Migratory Pelagic and Reef Fish Charter Vessel/Headboat Permit Renewal and Transfer Requirements

March 2013 Regulations implemented through the Coastal Migratory Pelagic and Reef Fish Fishery Management Plans limit Gulf for-hire permit transfers and renewals to vessels that have the same passenger capacity or a lower passenger capacity.  This
Final Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
South Atlantic
Effective
08/30/2013

Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Historical Amendments and Rulemaking (1983-2017)

The following is a list of historic rulemakings to the Fishery Management Plan for Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Resources effective 2017 and earlier. The reef fish management plan is designed to rebuild declining reef fish stocks and support the sustaina
Final Rule
,
Southeast
Published
12/31/1983

Emergency Action: Modification of the Greater Amberjack Recreational Fixed Closed Season

This temporary rule is intended to reduce the likelihood of overfishing, reduce the probability of an annual catch limit overage and subsequent payback for the recreational sector, and reduce the severity of a postseason payback that could possibly preve
Emergency Rule
,
Gulf of Mexico
Effective
01/01/0001

Last updated by Southeast Regional Office on 08/12/2021