Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Quota Bank
The only program of its kind in the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance launched the first Quota Bank in the Gulf of Mexico in 2015 to reduce red snapper discards in the eastern Gulf and to support the next generation of commercial reef fish fishermen. 2023 will mark our ninth year of operation.
Here's how it works
The Quota Bank leases red snapper allocation to the following two groups of fishermen:
- Eligible grouper fishermen that need red snapper allocation to cover some of their discards.
- Eligible “next generation” red snapper fishermen that are entering the fishery.
In exchange for leasing this allocation, Members agree to hold themselves to a high standard of accountability and participate in program requirements including electronic reporting, Best Business Practices, and participation in regulatory meetings.
The Quota Bank is the only program of its kind in the Gulf of Mexico that is generating benefits for your fishery by:
- Reducing red snapper discards.
- Making fishing businesses more profitable.
- Providing you access to exclusive Shareholders' Alliance membership benefits (i.e. regular newsletters, policy updates).
- Supporting the next generation of fishermen.
- Getting more fishermen involved in the management and regulatory process.
2023 Quota Bank
Applications will be accepted on a quarterly basis and processed four times per year. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to the quarterly deadlines identified below:
- December 13, 2022 for Quarter 1 (January – March)
- March 6, 2023 for Quarter 2 (April – June)
- June 1, 2023 for Quarter 3 (July – September)
- September 1, 2023 for Quarter 4 (October - December)
The Shareholders' Alliance Board will review applications as soon as practicable after each quarterly deadline. Applications will be evaluated based on compliance with eligibility criteria, commitment to best practices, prioritization of gear and meeting attendance, allocation availability, and historical compliance with Quota Bank requirements (if applicable).
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions document below for answers to some of the more commonly-asked questions. This document will be updated regularly.
