NOAAFinal Rule
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America: 2026 Red Snapper Private Angling Component Closure in Federal Waters off Texas
EnvironmentAgriculture
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Summary
This rule closes red snapper fishing for recreational anglers in federal waters off the Texas coast starting in 2026. The closure is necessary because the red snapper population needs protection to recover, which means people fishing for fun won't be able to catch this fish during the closure period in that area.
Key Points
- 1Recreational fishing for red snapper is banned in federal waters (roughly 9+ miles offshore) off Texas during 2026
- 2The closure is meant to help rebuild the red snapper population, which has been overfished
- 3This affects people who fish for sport or food in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas, but not commercial fishing operations
- 4Anglers can still fish in state waters (closer to shore) where different rules may apply
- 5The closure is part of a management plan to balance fishing opportunities with protecting fish populations for the future
Key Dates
Published
December 23, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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