March 18, 2026
By Florida Sportsman
Florida Sportsman staff
Scamp and several other grouper, called "Gulf Other Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG) complex: scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper" are up for a regulations change by NOAA Southeast. (NOAA file) NOAA Fisheries requests anglers’ comments on a proposed rule to reduce catch limits and implement a recreational fixed-closed season for the Gulf Other Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG) complex--scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper , and yellowfin grouper . The framework and proposed rule would:
• Reduce the Other SWG complex acceptable biological catch by 54.7%.
How to Comment on the Proposed Rule:
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The comment period is open now through April 17, 2026. Submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.
Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 91 FR 12989, published March 18, 2026.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
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1. Go to www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2025-1065-0001
Mail: Submit written comments to Dan Luers, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Frequently Asked Questions What is NOAA Fisheries announcing today? • NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule to:
- Update Gulf of America Other SWG catch limits
- Set a fixed-closed season from January 1 through June 30 each year during which recreational harvest of Other SWG species would be prohibited.
What is the “Other Shallow-water Grouper complex? • The Other SWG complex is composed of four grouper species: scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper.
• This complex was formed based on the depth at which these species were generally caught, and whether it was common for these species to be caught on the same fishing trips.
• NOAA Fisheries manages Other SWG as a complex. Catch limits and management measures are set for the complex of four species, rather than for each species individually.
Why is NOAA Fisheries taking action? • The most recent stock assessment of Gulf scamp and yellowmouth grouper found that their populations are lower than they have been historically, and that these species are being harvested at unsustainable levels.
• Based on recommendations from their Scientific and Statistical Committee, the Gulf Council initiated work on Amendment 58A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf, which considers compositional changes to the Other SWG complex, changes to catch limits, modification of the commercial Individual Fishing Quota program, and other management measures.
• In recognition of the complexity of Amendment 58A, the Council developed this action to propose changes to catch limits and recreational season for the Other SWG complex until Amendment 58A can be finalized and implemented.
• The management measures in this framework and proposed rule are expected to reduce harvest of Other SWG species, and lessen the likelihood of overfishing scamp and yellowmouth grouper.
Where can I find more information on the Framework Action?
• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail:
Daniel Luers
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
The framework action may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Website at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/modifications-other-shallow-water-grouper-complex-management-measures?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
This news release originated from NOAA Southeast.
