2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Preliminary Gulf of Mexico Stock Annual Catch Limit Landings

This page was last updated on: 4/8/2024

• FISHING REGS & SEASONAL CLOSURES: Gulf of Mexico Fishing Regulations and Seasonal Closures
• FOR THE MOST CURRENT FEDERAL REGULATIONS: Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 622 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic.
• HISTORICAL: 
  • 2022 Preliminary Stock Landings
  • Historic Stock Landings in the Gulf of Mexico.
• FOR ALL LANDINGS: Southeast Region Annual Catch Limit Monitoring 

2024 Preliminary Inseason Landings for Species with Stock Annual Catch Limits (ACL)

Date 2023 commercial landings through: 4/8/2024

Date commercial IFQ landings available through: 4/8/2024

Date recreational landings available: January 1 through October 31, 2023 for Yellowtail snapper and Spanish Mackerel. Wave 1 (January and February) recreational landings are expected in mid-April, 2024.

Recreational Dataset: MRIP-FES: Cobia, Lane Snapper, Vermilion snapper.  MRIP-CHTS: Gray snapper, Hogfish, Mutton snapper, Spanish mackerel.   MRFSS: Cubera snapper, Deep water grouper, Jacks complex, Mid-water snapper, Shallow water grouper, Tilefishes, Yellowtail snapper.

Definitions: Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is the amount of fish that can be harvested from the stock each year. The Annual Catch Target (ACT) is a harvest level set lower than the annual catch limit to create a buffer so that overharvest does not occur.  Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP).  Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS). 

*Units: Whole Weight (ww): Cubera snapper, Gray snapper, Hogfish, Jacks complex, Lane snapper, Mid-water snapper, Mutton snapper, Vermillion snapper, Yellowtail snapper. Gutted Weight (gw): Deep water grouper, Shallow water grouper, Tilefishes. As Reported: Cobia, Spanish mackerel. 

(a) Deep water grouper: Warsaw, Snowy, Speckled hind, Yellowedge

(b) The commercial sectors for Deep water grouper, Tilefishes, and Shallow water grouper are managed under the Gulf of Mexico Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. Please visit the IFQ Landings Page for additional information. Landings on the IFQ site are updated in real time and therefore may be more comprehensive than the table above.

(c) Jacks Complex: Almaco jack, Banded rudderfish, Lesser amberjack

(d) Mid-water snapper: Silk, Wenchman, Blackfin, Queen snapper

(e) All MRFSS and MRIP Mutton snapper, Yellowtail snapper, Hogfish, Black grouper, Snowy grouper, and Blueline tilefish landings reported in Monroe County were assigned to the South Atlantic

(f)  The Shallow water grouper (Black, Red, Scamp, Yellowmouth, Yellowfin) closure occurs from Feb 1 to March 31 in the portion of the Gulf EEZ seaward of coordinates defined in the Federal regulations at paragraph (d) of  § 622.34, Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef fish.  These coordinates approximate the 20-fathom depth contour.

(g) Tilefishes: Golden, Goldface, and Blueline

2023 Preliminary Inseason Landings for Species with Stock Annual Catch Limits (ACL)

Date 2023 commercial landings available through: 12/31/2023 

Date commercial IFQ landings available through: 12/31/2023

Date recreational landings available: January 1 through December 31, 2023.

More Information 

• FISHERY BULLETINS: View or Sign up to stay up-to-date with fishery announcements.
• For more information on fishery management please visit the Gulf of Mexico Branch.

Dealer Reporting Information

• Dealers in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic are required to have a federal Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit and submit weekly, electronic reports.  Reports must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. local time, every Tuesday.  If no purchases are made, a no-purchase form must also be submitted online, once per week.  Dealers may not purchase fish if they have not submitted timely reports and will not be able to renew their permits if reports are outstanding.  Dealers can apply for a permit with the Southeast Regional Permits Office.
• Please see the Modifications to the Current Federally Permitted Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements in the Southeast Region for additional information.