The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight US Regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976.

    • Manages fishery resources in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico
    • Prepares fishery management plans (FMPs) and makes recommendations by balancing competing interests
    • Uses scientific advice from NOAA Fisheries and public opinion to inform FMP recommendations
    • Aims to achieve the greatest overall benefit to the nation by sustaining and maintaining responsible fisheries management
    • Stays consistent with the ten national standards laid out by the Magnuson Stevens Act
    • Specifically manages reef fish, shrimp, spiny lobster, coastal migratory pelagics, corals, essential fish habitat, red drum, and aquaculture

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Fed State Water Boundary

The Council’s jurisdiction (federal waters) extends from three to 200 miles off the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and nine to 200 miles off Texas and the west coast of Florida.

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Front Row, L-R: Chris Schieble. Lance Robinson, Greg Stunz, LeAnn Bosarge, Dale Diaz. Second row, L-R: Tom Frazer, JD Dugas, Troy Williamson, Paul Mickle, Martha Guyas, Susan Boggs, Bob Shipp, Lt. Mark Zanowicz. Third row, L-R: Roy Crabtree, Dave Donaldson, Ed Swindell, Phil Dyskow, Kevin Anson, John Sanchez.