As part of its Recreational Initiative, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is hosting a virtual Public Engagement Session from 6:00 – 9:00 PM EST on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s Recreational Initiative is an effort to evaluate past and current recreational reef fish management strategies and explore potential innovative management approaches that could be applied in the future. The effort focuses on five species as examples that might be applied to other reef fish species: red snapper, red grouper, gag grouper, greater amberjack, and gray triggerfish.

The primary work of the Recreational Initiative will be performed by a Working Group comprised of individuals representing key Gulf recreational fishing interests, including private anglers, for-hire operators, associated marine industries, and advocates. A Public Engagement Session is being held after each Working Group Meeting to share meeting outcomes and offer the public an opportunity to provide insight and input.

This third Public Engagement Session will specifically focus on exploring alternative management strategies for reef fish species using the five focal species - a topic discussed during the Recreational Initiative Working Group’s third and final meeting held on February 19-20 in Tampa, FL.

Register for the Public Engagement webinar here.

More information on the Council’s Recreational Initiative, including links to join the Public Engagement Session, can be found on the Recreational Initiative Webpage.