Fisheries Regulations

New regulations require circle hooks, dehooking devices and venting tools for Gulf of Mexico reef fish.

Effective June 1, 2008

New state and federal regulations require commercial and recreational fishermen angling for any species of reef fish in Gulf of Mexico waters to possess and use non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with live or cut baits, a dehooking device and a venting tool.

The intent of the new regulations is to reduce by catch and discard mortality of reef fish that are caught on hook and line and not kept. If the gear associated with these new regulations is used properly, it will help more reef fish survive when they are released.

Who will be affected?

Any person on board a vessel harvesting reef fish in Gulf of Mexico waters. This includes both inshore and offshore anglers.

What species of Gulf of Mexico reef fish are included?

Reef fish species include all snappers, groupers, sea bass, amberjacks, gray triggerfish, hogfish, red porgy and golden tilefish.

Regulations

Federal Reef Fish Regulations in the Gulf of Mexico

• NOAA Fisheries - Amendment 27/14

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

• 2010 Commercial and Recreational Fishing Regulations

State of Florida

• FAQs for New Regulations with Info Specific to Florida State Waters

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