The Gulf Council took final action on an abbreviated framework action to withhold distribution of a maximum of 408,000 pounds of commercial red grouper quota in 2027. This hold back is being done in anticipation of a 3-year pilot program that would increase access to commercial red grouper quota by creating a quota pool and distributing annual allocation to participants in the grouper/tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program. On its current timeline, if the Council decided to create a quota pool in Reef Fish Amendment 63, it would not be implemented until after quota is distributed in 2027. This holdback would make implementation later in the year possible. If Reef Fish Amendment 63 is not implemented by May 1, 2027, the withheld quota will be distributed to shareholders.
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.