Request for Comments: Proposed Rule to Extend the Permit Moratorium in the Gulf of America Shrimp Fishery

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for Amendment 19 to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan for the Gulf, which would extend the federal shrimp permit moratorium for 10 years, to expire on October 26, 2036.

The moratorium was first implemented through Amendment 13 to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan to create stability and prevent overcapacity in the Gulf shrimp fishery, and is set to expire on October 26, 2026.

The Gulf Council is currently re-evaluating the minimum shrimp permit threshold for optimizing yield in the offshore fishery in light of new science and the current economic condition of the fishery. Extending this permit moratorium for another 10 years would maintain catch efficiency, economic efficiency, and stability in the fishery while that work is completed, and help to maintain historical effort limits, and the economic profitability of shrimp fishermen, should market conditions improve in the future.

How to Comment on the Proposed Rule:

The comment period is open now through September 24, 2026. You may 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 Regist er Name/Number: 91 FR 54841 , August 25, 2026.

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2026-1387-0008

2. Click the "Comment" icon, complete the required fields.

3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Where can I find more information on the proposed rule?

• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Rich Malinowski

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Sign Up For Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures

NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery-related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time.

Text alerts you may receive include:

• Immediate fishery openings and closures
• Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly

Sign up for one or more of the following groups:

• Gulf Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
• Gulf Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
• South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
• South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
• Caribbean Fisheries-Related Alerts

Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office

Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.

Other contacts:

Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750

Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202