NOAA Fisheries Seeking Comments on Proposed Rule to Extend Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishery Permit Moratorium
August 31, 2026 | 3 min to read
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 Register Name/Number: 91 FR 54841, August 25, 2026.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2026-1387-0008
- Click the “Comment” icon, complete the required fields.
- 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
Amendment 19 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Website at: fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-19-shrimp-permit-moratorium