Fishery

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Plans provide the basis for management of fishery resources in the Gulf of Mexico’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

A plan, or amendment to a plan, regulates the amount of fish that are harvested in order to maintain the best interest of the people of the United States.

The proposed management measures become federal regulations when implemented by the Secretary of Commerce. The plan is enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard, enforcement agents from the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Gulf states.

Implemented plans and regulations are reviewed annually and may be updated or modified after public review to accommodate changing conditions and needs.