Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Name	Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Formation	1976
Headquarters	St. Petersburg, Florida
Region served	Gulf of Mexico
Parent organization	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage marine fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico federal waters off the coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. It develops fishery management plans, regulatory measures, and monitoring programs that interact with agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Commerce. The council’s work intersects with regional entities like the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, academic institutions including University of Florida, Texas A&M University, and Louisiana State University, and stakeholder groups such as the Recreational Fishing Alliance and the American Sportfishing Association.

History

The council was created following passage of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in 1976, contemporaneous with the development of regional councils like the New England Fishery Management Council and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Early deliberations engaged federal offices including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and state agencies from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to address issues raised by industrial fleets represented by entities such as the National Marine Fisheries Service advisory panels and commercial interests like the Shrimp Association of the Americas. Landmark events influencing the council’s evolution include responses to incidents like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and regulatory shifts following amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Act in 1996 and 2006, which emphasized rebuilding plans and annual catch limits. Historical collaborations involved research partnerships with NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Smithsonian Institution researchers, and regional conservation efforts by groups such as The Nature Conservancy.

Organization and Membership

The council comprises voting members appointed by the United States Secretary of Commerce from nominated individuals recommended by the governors of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas; non-voting participants include representatives from the United States Coast Guard and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Membership blends commercial fishing representatives from organizations like the United Fishing Agency and recreational representatives affiliated with groups such as the American Sportfishing Association and local charter associations; scientific advice is provided by the Scientific and Statistical Committee with expertise from universities including University of South Florida and University of Southern Mississippi. Standing committees mirror those in other councils such as the Pacific Fishery Management Council committees and include a Habitat Protection advisory structure coordinating with agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Management Responsibilities and Jurisdiction

The council develops fishery management plans for federal waters under the U.S. exclusive economic zone in the eastern and northern Gulf of Mexico, coordinating with state waters managed by bodies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and interstate compacts such as the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. Its jurisdiction covers species and habitats impacted by activities regulated under laws and programs including the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act, and it interfaces with federal responses to incidents involving agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

Fisheries and Species Managed

The council prepares management measures for key fisheries including reef fish such as red snapper, gag grouper, and vermillion snapper; pelagic species including Atlantic bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and Spanish mackerel; and mollusks and crustaceans like brown shrimp and calico scallop. It has addressed stocks listed under the Endangered Species Act including interactions with protected species such as the leatherback sea turtle and species monitored by the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review process. The council’s plans affect commercial fleets represented by organizations like the Gulf Fishermen's Cooperative and recreational sectors including charter operations referenced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Regulatory Process and Decision-Making

Rulemaking follows procedures aligned with the Administrative Procedure Act and coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service for implementation and enforcement. The council adopts measures such as quotas, size limits, seasons, and gear restrictions after review by bodies like the Scientific and Statistical Committee and public hearings conducted across coastal communities like Biloxi, Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida. Decisions consider international factors involving treaties and organizations such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas when managing migratory species and coordinate enforcement with agencies including the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Science, Research, and Stock Assessments

Stock assessments are produced in collaboration with the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, academic partners including University of Texas Marine Science Institute, and regional labs such as NOAA Fisheries Panama City Laboratory, using data from fisheries-independent surveys, fishery-dependent monitoring, and observer programs. Scientific inputs include population dynamics models, ecosystem assessments incorporating work from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, and socio-economic analyses leveraging expertise from institutions like Florida State University and University of Southern Mississippi. Peer review and assessment workshops often engage regional panels modeled after processes used by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Policy, Enforcement, and Stakeholder Engagement

Policy implementation involves coordination with enforcement agencies including the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and state marine patrols like the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division. Stakeholder engagement uses public testimony, advisory panels with representation from groups such as the Recreational Fishing Alliance, commercial associations, conservation NGOs including Oceana and The Nature Conservancy, and tribal entities where applicable. Outreach and education efforts partner with institutions like the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute regional programs and local extension services from universities such as Mississippi State University.

Category:United States regional fishery management councils