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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises anglers that new rules to help manage gag and red grouper, greater amberjack and gray triggerfish in Gulf of Mexico waters take effect on Jan. 1.
The recreational daily bag limit for gag grouper is now two fish per person within the five-grouper aggregate limit in all Gulf waters, and the recreational harvest of gag grouper in all Gulf waters is prohibited from Feb. 1 through March 31.
The recreational daily bag limit for red grouper in Gulf state waters is now two fish per person within the five-grouper aggregate limit. However, the recreational red grouper limit in Gulf federal waters is still one fish per person within the aggregate limit. Florida state waters extend 9 nautical miles offshore in the Gulf, and federal waters extend beyond state waters.
The Feb. 15 – March 14 closure to the recreational harvest of red and black grouper in Gulf federal waters is still in effect. This recreational closed season does not apply in Gulf state waters.
In addition, the recreational minimum size limit for greater amberjack is now 30 inches fork length, and the commercial and recreational minimum size limit for gray triggerfish is now 14 inches fork length in all Gulf waters.
More information on Gulf grouper, amberjack and triggerfish management is available online at MyFWC.com/marine/grouper/index.htm and MyFWC.com/marine/AmberjackTriggerfish.htm.
