The Gulf Council seeks a qualified contractor to conduct a thorough evaluation of the 40 species currently managed under Gulf Fishery Management Plans to assess their need for conservation and management and identify whether each species should:
- remain in FMPs under full federal management measures,
- be removed from FMPs and no longer be subject to federal management measures, or,
- be designated as ecosystem component species where full federal management measures are not necessary.
This work is being done to promote regulatory efficiency and allow for better alignment of management needs with the shifting availability of resources.
The Council expects work on this project will be completed by Summer 2027 and the maximum available funding for the work is $125,000.
The Request for Proposals including the full scope of work and instructions on how to apply can be found here: RFP Reducing the Scope of Management
Proposal Submission Deadline: August 10, 2026
Contact us at: RFP.speciesevaluation@gulfcouncil.org
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.