All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in this section, in or from the Gulf EEZ, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section. See Sec. 622.10 regarding requirements for landing fish intact.
(a) Snapper--(1) Red snapper--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38 (b)(3) and 13 inches (33.0 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit.
(1) Red snapper--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38 (b)(3) and 13 inches (33.0 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit.
(2) Lane snapper--8 inches (20.3 cm), TL.
(3) Vermilion snapper--10 inches (25.4 cm), TL.
(4) Cubera, gray, and yellowtail snappers--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
(5) Mutton snapper--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL.
(b) Grouper--(1) Gag--22 inches (55.9 cm), TL.
(1) Gag--22 inches (55.9 cm), TL.
(2) Red grouper--(i) For a person not subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38 (b)(2)--18 inches (45.7 cm), TL.
(i) For a person not subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38 (b)(2)--18 inches (45.7 cm), TL.
(ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(2)--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
(3) Scamp--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL.
(4) Yellowfin grouper--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
(5) Black grouper--(i) For a person not subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(2)--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
(i) For a person not subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(2)--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
(ii) For a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38(b)(2)--22 inches (55.9 cm), TL.
(c) Other Gulf reef fish species--(1) Gray triggerfish--14 inches (35.6 cm), fork length.
(1) Gray triggerfish--14 inches (35.6 cm), fork length.
(2) Hogfish--12 inches (30.5 cm), fork length.
(3) Banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack--14 inches (35.6 cm), fork length (minimum size); 22 inches (55.9 cm), fork length (maximum size).
(4) Greater amberjack--30 inches (76 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.38)(b)(1) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit.
(d) A person aboard a vessel that has a Federal commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish, i.e., Gulf reef fish in excess of applicable bag/possession limits, may not possess any Gulf reef fish that do not comply with the applicable commercial minimum size limit.