Category Archives: Year 2021

Gulf Council Continues to Seek Applicants for its Special Coral, Special Mackerel, and Special Shrimp Scientific and Statistical Committees

For Immediate Release July 2, 2021    The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) continues to seek applicants for its Special Coral, Special Mackerel, and Special Shrimp Statistical Committees (SSC).   The Council has one standing and eight special Scientific and Statistical Committees comprised of individuals who have expertise in stock assessment or quantitative…

Gulf Council Solicits Proposals for Conducting an Expanded Sampling and Ageing Study on Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish

For Immediate Release July 2, 2021 The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has issued a Request for Proposals for a qualified contractor to organize and conduct an ageing study on Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus to reconcile ageing differences in hard parts (i.e., otoliths versus dorsal spines).  The contractor is tasked with…

Gulf Council Seeks Information from Fishermen and Divers on the Condition of Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Mexico

For Immediate Release July 1, 2021   The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program would like your input on the condition of Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. Coral communities and habitats are an incredibly important part of the ocean ecosystem that we rely upon for sustainable fisheries.…

June 2021 Council Meeting Summary

For Immediate Release June 29, 2021   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)…

Final Rule Increases Gray Triggerfish Catch Limits in the Gulf of Mexico

The following is provided as a courtesy: When Rule Will Take Effect: Regulations will be effective July 29, 2021.  What This Means: The gray triggerfish total catch limit will be 456,900 pounds (lbs) whole weight (ww). The gray triggerfish sector allocation of 79% recreational and 21% commercial is retained. The recreational annual catch limit will…

Gulf Council Coastal Migratory Pelagic Advisory Panel to Meet Virtually

Meeting Notice June 29, 2021   The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will host a meeting of its Coastal Migratory Pelagics Advisory Panel via webinar. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, EDT. The panel will hear results from the SEDAR 38 Update: Gulf of Mexico…

Commerce Department Announces Council Appointments

For Immediate Release June 29, 2021   The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced the appointment of 31 members to the regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage marine fishery resources. Established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, councils are responsible for developing region-specific fishery management plans that safeguard and enhance the nation’s fisheries…

Gulf Council Recommends New Red Grouper Allocations and Catch Limits

For Immediate Release June 25, 2021   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…

Commercial Harvest of King Mackerel in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico Northern Zone Will Close on June 28, 2021

The following NOAA Fisheries Bulletin is provided as a courtesy: ISSUE DATE: June 25, 2021                                                                                 …

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

For Immediate Release June 18, 2021   The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) is pleased to resume face-to-face meetings.  The June Council meeting will be held in-person at the Opal Key Resort and Marina in Key West, Florida. Virtual participation will also be available. The meeting will convene Monday, June 21 through Friday, June…