IFQ Shareholders that currently hold SWG shares will receive additional allocation in their IFQ accounts on May 12, 2026.
The amount of allocation to be distributed to each shareholder is based on the percentage of shares held by each shareholder and the amount of quota withheld (279,590 lb gw).
When distributing Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) allocation on January 1, 2026, NOAA Fisheries withheld the amount necessary to implement the reduced shallow-water grouper (SWG) commercial annual catch limit (ACL) and commercial quota the Gulf Council proposed in the SWG Framework.
NOAA Fisheries was unable to finalize implementing regulations prior to June 1, 2026.
Federal regulations require NOAA Fisheries to distribute the withheld commercial quota if a final rule to implement the quota reduction is not published in the Federal Register and effective by June 1.
As a result, the remaining 279,590 pounds (lb) gutted weight (gw) of SWG quota that was withheld from distribution will be released on May 12, 2026. The total quota for the year will be 525,000 lb gw.
The allocation will be distributed to shareholders based on the number of SWG shares held as of the date of distribution.
Why did NOAA Fisheries withhold SWG Allocation?
The Gulf Council developed the SWG framework action, which would reduce catch limits for the SWG complex (black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, and yellowmouth grouper). This is necessary because a recent stock assessment found that scamp and yellowmouth grouper were at risk of overfishing if harvest remains at current levels.
IFQ allocation cannot be reclaimed once distributed at the start of the fishing year. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries withheld commercial allocation from IFQ shareholders based on the proposed quota reduction in the event final regulations for the framework action were implemented prior to June 1, 2026.
Why is NOAA Fisheries releasing the withheld SWG Allocation?
To support IFQ participants' ability to effectively plan business operations, NOAA Fisheries announced the IFQ quota would only be withheld until June 1, 2026, if the SWG Framework was not implemented by that time. Because the framework action will not be implemented by June 1, 2026, IFQ allocation in the amount withheld from each shareholder will be distributed back to IFQ shareholders.
Who do I contact for more information about this release?
For more information, contact: Catch Share Customer Support, (866) 425-7627 (Select option 2, from 8 am – 4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time [EST]), nmfs.ser.catchshare@noaa.gov
Where can I find more information on the Framework Action?
Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Daniel Luers
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
By Phone: (727) 824-5305
The Framework Action may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site.