Fishery Management

August 2021 Council Meeting Summary

LDWF staff holding a cobra on boat

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in San Antonio, Texas from August 23-26.  The meeting began with the induction of re-appointed members Susan Boggs, Jonathan ‘JD’ Dugas, and Dale A. Diaz. Bob Gill and Billy Broussard were inducted as new members.  These members are appointed to serve on…

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Saltwater Anglers: Complete Survey on Spotted Seatrout Management Options

men fishing in boat at sunrise

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has released an updated survey to gather public input on spotted seatrout management options. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) directed the LDWF to conduct another survey on spotted seatrout management options prior to its October 2021 meeting.  This survey is…

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In-Person and Virtual Participation Instructions for the August 2021 Council Meeting

silhouette of trawl arm and net on shrimp boat in water

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a hybrid virtual and in-person meeting August 23-26, 2021. The meeting agenda and briefing materials are available on the Council meeting webpage. Both in-person and virtual attendees are welcome to join the meeting. The public will have two opportunities to…

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June 2021 Council Meeting Summary

Gray triggerfish swimming along sea bottom

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Key West, Florida from June 21-25, 2021. Red Grouper The Council took final action on Reef Fish Amendment 53: Red Grouper Allocations and Annual Catch Levels and Targets. The most recent red grouper stock assessment (SEDAR 61) included information through 2017…

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Gray Triggerfish Catch Limits Increase in the Gulf of Mexico

gray triggerfish

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). This rule increases the gray triggerfish catch limits for the commercial and recreational sectors. When Rule Will Take Effect: Regulations will be effective July 29, 2021. What This Means: The gray triggerfish total catch limit…

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Gulf Council Recommends New Red Grouper Allocations and Catch Limits

red grouper swimming along sea bottom

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on Reef Fish Amendment 53: Red Grouper Allocations and Annual Catch Levels and Targets. The most recent red grouper stock assessment (SEDAR 61) included information through 2017 and showed that the biomass of spawning red grouper is lower than it…

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Gulf of Mexico Individual Fishing Quota Program Reminder

red snapper

NOAA Fisheries is sending this reminder to ensure Individual Fishing Quota program (IFQ) participants are informed about new and important requirements, such as IFQ system functions and how to participate in the program. For further information, IFQ participants can contact Catch Share Support at (866) 425-7627 between 8:00 a.m. and…

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Federal Commercial Fishing Regulations are Now Available in the New Fish Rules App

school of red snapper swimming in blue water

Federal commercial fishing regulations in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic are now available on the free Fish Rules Commercial mobile app. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council have partnered with Fish Rules, LLC to create an app to host up-to-date, accurate commercial…

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Shrimp Season to Open May 10 in the Remaining State Outside Waters

shrimp boat Grand Isle Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal shall reopen to shrimping at 6:00 a.m. on May 10, 2021. The closure area is defined as…

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