Gulf Fishery Management: Progress Through Partnership

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By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov.

From spiny lobster in the Florida Keys to red snapper off the coast of Texas, the Gulf of America’s rich waters support robust recreational and commercial fisheries. In fact, this area leads the nation in recreational landings, generates the second largest commercial landings revenue, and fuels a $20 billion annual fishing economy.

A powerhouse of biodiversity, the Gulf provides fresh seafood year-round. These vital resources thrive thanks to five decades of close collaboration between fishermen and state and federal agencies.

A Collaborative Endeavor: Then and Now

Fishermen work on the open deck of Miss Gail off Cortez, Florida, circa 1980. Credit: Glenhart Brooks.
Fishermen work on the open deck of Miss Gail off Cortez, Florida, circa 1980. Credit: Glenhart Brooks.
Effectively managing Gulf fisheries requires balancing a billion-dollar commercial industry with a massive recreational sector. The federal government, the Gulf Council, and Gulf states each play a distinct role in this process. The Gulf Council and NOAA Fisheries manage resources in federal waters across six management plans, covering:
  • 31 reef fish, such as snappers and groupers
  • Coastal migratory pelagics, including king mackerel and cobia
  • Spiny lobster, shrimp, and stone crab
  • More than 200 coral species
  • Essential habitats

Closer to shore, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and its member states coordinate data collection programs that support the management of marine fisheries in Gulf state and federal waters.

Through close cooperation, the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Gulf states share governance and enforcement responsibilities to ensure sustainable fishing practices, end overfishing, and develop key management measures. Council membership includes designated state and federal fishery officials and individuals nominated by state governors and appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. They bring crucial expertise to its transparent, public decision making process—a hallmark of the Regional Fisheries Management Council system first established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

“Every management decision represents the work of countless people. Fishermen, scientists, Council members, state and federal partners, and the public work together to shape fisheries science and policy. That collaborative spirit has defined Gulf fisheries management since its beginning and remains the foundation of our success today.”
— Dr. Carrie Simmons, Executive Director, Gulf Council

Throughout the region’s commercial and recreational fisheries, management is built on flexible, democratic processes. This secures the greatest overall benefit to the nation through robust science and innovative fisheries management practices.

Partnerships Pay Off through Improved Data

A group of anglers huddle on a deck with a collection of caught gag grouper, ten fish in all. Credit: Gulf Council/Carrie Simmons.
A group of anglers huddle on a deck with a collection of caught gag grouper, ten fish in all. Credit: Gulf Council/Carrie Simmons.
Using the best available data to make management decisions is a fundamental feature of the management system in the United States. It demonstrates our commitment to flexibility and innovation. A decade ago, state and federal partners came together in response to the unique needs of the Gulf region to provide more timely and precise recreational estimates for high profile species.
(Overlay) L: Goliath grouper circa 1945. Credit: Wally Ericson. R: Shrimp fishing in Galveston, Texas. Date unknown. Credit: NOAA Library/NOAA Fisheries Archives/Bob Brigham; (Background): Boats in harbor. Credit: Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant
(Overlay) L: Goliath grouper circa 1945. Credit: Wally Ericson. R: Shrimp fishing in Galveston, Texas. Date unknown. Credit: NOAA Library/NOAA Fisheries Archives/Bob Brigham; (Background): Boats in harbor. Credit: Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant