Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; 2027 Red Grouper Commercial Quota Retention

Official abstract: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf Council (Council). If implemented, this proposed rule would withhold a portion of the commercial allocation of Gulf of America (Gulf) red grouper for the 2027 fishing year in anticipation of the upcoming rulemaking to implement Amendment 63 to the FMP (Amendment 63). If implemented by NMFS, Amendment 63 would establish a pilot program for setting aside a portion of the red grouper commercial quota for a quota pool. This proposed rule would withhold a portion of the red grouper commercial quota for the 2027 fishing year in the amount necessary to establish that quota pool. This withheld quota would otherwise be allocated to shareholders in the Individual Fishing Quota program for Gulf grouper and tilefishes (GT-IFQ) program on January 1, 2027.