Gulf Council Announces Public Hearings on Major Changes to Shallow‑Water Grouper Management

January 11, 2026 - GULF SHORES - The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a series of public hearings-three in person and one virtual-to gather public input on Draft Reef Fish Amendment 58A, a proposal that would significantly revise how several shallow‑water grouper species are managed in the Gulf. The hearings will take place January 8–21, 2026, with each session scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to no later than 9:00 p.m. local time.

Why Amendment 58A Matters

The amendment focuses on the Other Shallow‑Water Grouper complex, which currently includes:

• Scamp

• Yellowmouth grouper

• Yellowfin grouper

• Black grouper

Historically, these species have been managed together. However, new stock assessments for scamp and yellowmouth grouper show that their populations require more conservative catch limits than the other species in the complex. The assessments recommend substantial reductions in allowable harvest for both scamp and yellowmouth grouper, while catch recommendations for black grouper and yellowfin grouper remain unchanged.

Because of these diverging biological and management needs, the Council is considering splitting the complex and establishing new catch limits and management measures tailored to each group.

Related Action: Amendment 62

In a separate but related effort, the Council is also evaluating whether to remove the seasonal recreational closure for shallow‑water grouper beyond 20 fathoms. That proposal is being developed under Reef Fish Amendment 62.

Public Hearing Schedule

All hearings begin at 6:00 p.m. and end no later than 9:00 p.m.

In‑Person Hearings

Madeira Beach, Florida

Thursday, January 8, 2026

City of Madeira Beach Recreation Civic Center

300 Municipal Drive

Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Galveston, Texas

Monday, January 12, 2026

Hilton Galveston Island

5400 Seawall Boulevard

Galveston, TX 77551

Lafayette, Louisiana

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Large Conference Room #2039

200 Dulles Drive

Lafayette, LA 70508

Virtual Hearing

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Registration required. (Link provided in Council materials.)