Recreational Closure for Feb 15-Mar 15 to Protect Gulf Grouper During Spawning Season

November 21, 2006

Release from:
NOAA

NOAA Fisheries has published a final rule that establishes a seasonal closure of the recreational fishery for gag, red grouper, and black grouper in the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The February 15 - March 15 closure occurs during important spawning periods for all three species. The intended effect of this final rule is to help maintain recreational landings at levels consistent with the red grouper rebuilding plan, while minimizing a potential shift of fishing effort to associated grouper species.

A new stock assessment for gag completed in July 2006 indicates that the Gulf of Mexico gag stock is subject to overfishing. The recreational closure is consistent with the existing seasonal closure of the commercial fishery for gag, red grouper, and black grouper; it makes the closures more equitable for both user groups and should help improve compliance and enforceability. Black grouper are included in the seasonal closure, in part, because they are similar in appearance to gag and, therefore, difficult for fisherman to distinguish from gag. If black grouper were not included in the closure, compliance with the closure, and therefore the closure's effectiveness would be compromised.

Responses to earlier public comments and an economic analysis of this action are included in the final rule.

For more information, contact Andy.Strelcheck@noaa.gov.