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Reef Fish

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Overview

Reef fish species are jointly managed by state and federal agencies for the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.  In federal waters of the Atlantic (beyond 3 miles), reef fish are managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. 

In federal waters of the Gulf (beyond 9 miles), reef fish species are managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.  NOAA Fisheries Service assists in the management and is responsible for implementing the federal regulations. 

The state waters of both Florida coasts are managed by the FWC.

In most cases, management agencies work together to implement consistent fishing regulations.  Occasionally, state and federal agencies decide to use different approaches to manage marine species in their jurisdictions.

The FWC coordinates and participates in federal management of reef fish, including data collection and research, stock assessments, representatives on the Councils, and enforcement of all regulations.

Grouper

• Gag, Red, and Black Grouper
  • Gulf & Atlantic: Regulation information for state and federal waters
• Goliath Grouper Information
• Archived Grouper information (2005-06)
  

Snapper

• Vermilion Snapper
  • Atlantic: Regulation changes in federal waters
• Red Snapper
  • Gulf: New red snapper regulations
  • Atlantic: Potential regulation changes in federal waters
    

Miscellaneous Reef Fish

• Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish
  • Regulations in state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Amberjack and Triggerfish

Other Reef Fish Issues

• Reef fish gear rules for state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and federal waters of the Atlantic

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