Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  NOAA Fisheries is imposing new limits on the Gulf’s Other Shallow-Water Grouper complex and establishing a fixed recreational closure for part of the year. The rule affects scamp, yellowmouth grouper, black grouper, and yellowfin grouper. Officials say it is intended to slow harvest and protect the stock. The change follows advice from the Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee.

The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The recreational season for Other Shallow-Water Grouper species will close each year from January 1 through June 30 and reopen on July 1. NOAA says the rule responds to the latest stock assessment, which found that scamp and yellowmouth grouper are at lower levels than historically and are being harvested at unsustainable rates.

The final rule reduces the complex’s allowable biological catch by 54.7 percent. It sets the annual catch limit at 322,000 pounds gutted weight, the commercial annual catch limit at 255,000 pounds gutted weight, and the commercial annual catch target at 245,000 pounds gutted weight.

NOAA says the action is part of a broader effort as the Gulf Council develops Amendment 58A to the reef fish management plan. That amendment could address changes to the complex itself, commercial quota rules, and other management measures. For anglers and charter operators, the new rule means a longer shutdown for these grouper species and tighter limits once the season opens.