Closure of Shallow-Water Grouper Commercial Fishery in Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters

November 15, 2004

Release from:
NOAA

NOAA Fisheries announces that the commercial fishery for shallow-water grouper (red, black, gag, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind, and red hind) in Gulf of Mexico federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 15, 2004, when the 2004 red grouper quota of 5.31 million pounds, gutted weight, is projected to be reached. The existing regulations require closure of the entire shallow-water grouper fishery when either the red grouper quota or shallow-water grouper quota is reached. The commercial fishery will remain closed until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2005. The operator of a vessel with a valid reef fish permit having shallow-water grouper aboard must have landed and sold such shallow-water grouper prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, November 15,2004.

For questions or more information contact Phil.Steele@noaa.gov or (727) 570-5305.