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State calls an end to commercial fishery of deep-water grouper in state, federal waters
The commercial fishery for deep-water grouper in federal and state waters in the Gulf of Mexico will close on June 27 and remain closed until the end of the year. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has determined this fishery, which includes misty grouper, snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper, Warsaw grouper and speckled hind, will reach its available annual harvest quota of 1.02 million pounds on June 26.
Federal regulations require NMFS to close the commercial deep-water grouper fishery harvest in gulf federal waters when the annual commercial quota is reached. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules also prohibit commercial harvest of these species in state waters when adjacent federal waters are closed to such harvest. The commercial
harvest of deep-water grouper is prohibited in gulf state and federal waters from 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 27 until 12:01 a.m., local time, on Jan. 1.
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