The Gulf Council took final action on Shrimp Amendment 19 which considers what action to take when the moratorium on the issuance of new federal Gulf commercial shrimp permits expires on October 26, 2026. The Council decided to extend the moratorium for 10 years, until October 26, 2036. The 10-year extension is expected to maintain biological, social, and economic benefits currently achieved under the moratorium while also promoting stability and efficiency in the fishery.

This Amendment will be transmitted to the secretary of Commerce for consideration and implementation as soon as practicable.

About The Gulf Council

The Gulf Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of America.