NOAA proposes to extend the Gulf shrimp permit moratorium 10 more years to prevent overcapacity (Amendment 19)

NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) published a notice of availability of, and request for comments on, Amendment 19 to the Gulf Shrimp Fishery Management Plan.

1What Amendment 19 does

NMFS seeks public comment on the management measures the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (the Gulf Council) submitted for review, approval, and implementation. If approved, Amendment 19 would extend the moratorium on issuing new commercial shrimp permits in the Gulf (the document uses "Gulf of America"), which is set to expire after October 26, 2026.

2The purpose of the moratorium

The moratorium was implemented by NMFS to create stability and prevent overcapacity in the Gulf shrimp fishery. Amendment 19 would extend it for an additional 10 years and maintain historical limits on shrimp fishing effort.

3The path the moratorium has taken

A halt on new permits is not a one-time measure: each time it approaches expiry, extension has to be considered.

1. 1IntroducedNMFS put it in place to create stability and prevent overcapacity in the fishery
2. 2Set to expireIt was due to lapse on 26 October 2026
3. 3Amendment 19If approved and implemented, it extends the moratorium a further ten years
4. 4Holding the capIt maintains the historical cap on shrimp fishing effort

A moratorium on new permits is a management technique preventing depletion and deteriorating economics from too many vessels and permits. NMFS is seeking public comment on the management measures in Amendment 19, submitted by the Gulf Council for review, approval and implementation.