November 2025 Council Meeting Summary – Outdoor Wire

Report on the Gulf Council Meeting (November 3-6, 2025) and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Advancing Sustainable Marine Resource Management

The Gulf Council convened in Biloxi, Mississippi, from November 3-6, 2025, to deliberate on key fisheries management issues. The actions taken reflect a strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This report summarizes the Council’s decisions and their contributions to sustainable development.

Sustainable Shrimp Fishery Management

In support of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the Council took final action on Shrimp Amendment 19.

• Action: The moratorium on the issuance of new federal Gulf commercial shrimp permits was extended for 10 years, until October 26, 2036.
• SDG Impact: This measure promotes long-term economic stability for fishing communities (SDG 8) and prevents overcapitalization, which is crucial for the biological sustainability of the shrimp stock and the prevention of overfishing (SDG 14).

Enhancing Reef Fish Conservation

To directly address SDG 14, specifically Target 14.4 regarding the restoration of fish stocks, the Council mandated the use of specialized equipment.

• Action: Final action was taken to require commercial and recreational fishers to possess and have ready for use a venting tool or descending device when fishing for reef fish.
• SDG Impact: This requirement is designed to reduce release mortality, thereby increasing the conservation and long-term sustainability of reef fish populations and contributing to the health of marine ecosystems (SDG 14).

Protecting Essential Fish Habitats (EFH)

The Council advanced efforts to protect marine ecosystems, a core component of SDG 14, Target 14.2.

• Action: A preferred alternative was selected to update descriptions and maps of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) based on the best available scientific information.
• SDG Impact: By accurately identifying and describing habitats necessary for fish spawning, breeding, and growth, this action strengthens the foundation for protecting marine biodiversity and sustainably managing fisheries (SDG 14).

Modernizing Regulation and Fostering Partnerships

The Council’s work on regulatory streamlining and ecosystem planning demonstrates a commitment to innovation and collaboration, aligning with SDG 9 and SDG 17.

1. Regulatory Streamlining: The Council is reviewing processes from other Regional Fishery Management Councils to improve efficiency and climate readiness, fostering innovation in governance (SDG 9) through inter-regional partnerships (SDG 17).
2. Fishery Ecosystem Plan: Development of a non-regulatory Gulf Fishery Ecosystem Plan is underway. This initiative operationalizes an ecosystem-based approach to management, a key principle for achieving the targets of SDG 14.
3. Federal For-Hire Red Snapper Management: The Council initiated an amendment to explore delegating management authority to Gulf states, enhancing state-federal partnerships for more effective resource management (SDG 17).

Science-Based Management of Key Fish Stocks

The Council reviewed and acted upon several stock assessments, ensuring that management decisions are grounded in scientific evidence, a principle central to SDG 14.

• Mutton and Yellowtail Snapper: Assessments confirmed that stocks are healthy. The Council is working jointly with the South Atlantic Council to modify catch limits, exemplifying a successful partnership (SDG 17) in sustainable stock management (SDG 14).
• Red Grouper: Responding to a healthy stock assessment, the Council proposed a phased-in increase of catch limits to ensure stability. A pilot program to aid new entrants into the fishery was also considered, supporting inclusive economic opportunities (SDG 8).
• Shallow-Water Grouper: The Council acted to restructure the management of the grouper complex based on new scientific assessments. This involves creating new complexes with updated catch limits and accountability measures, directly applying scientific knowledge to sustainably manage marine resources (SDG 14, Target 14.a).

Promoting Innovation and Safety for the Fishing Industry

In an effort to support the fishing industry through modern technology, the Council addressed telecommunication requirements, aligning with SDG 9.

• Action: Recognizing the fleet’s growing use of Starlink for communication, the Council is advocating for its certification as an approved device. This involves collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Communications Commission.
• SDG Impact: This initiative promotes the adoption of innovative technology (SDG 9) to improve safety and operational efficiency, contributing to decent work conditions for fishers (SDG 8).

Strengthening Scientific and Statistical Capacity

To ensure continued reliance on robust scientific advice for decision-making, the Council reinforced its scientific advisory body.

• Action: Mr. Konner Lockfield was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Special Shrimp Scientific and Statistical Committee.
• SDG Impact: This appointment maintains the high level of scientific expertise guiding fisheries management, which is fundamental to achieving the conservation and sustainable use objectives of SDG 14.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to the management of marine resources, which directly connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The most relevant SDGs are:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: This is the most central SDG, as the entire article focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The Council’s actions, such as setting catch limits, conducting stock assessments, protecting habitats, and reducing mortality, are all core components of SDG 14.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The article details efforts to ensure the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (fish stocks). By implementing measures to prevent overfishing and maintain healthy stocks, the Council is promoting sustainable production patterns within the fishing industry, which aligns with Target 12.2.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The Council’s decisions have direct economic implications for the fishing industry. The extension of the shrimp permit moratorium is explicitly stated to maintain “economic benefits” and promote “stability and efficiency in the fishery.” Managing fish stocks sustainably ensures the long-term viability of fishing-related jobs and economic activities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article highlights collaboration and policy coherence among different governing bodies. The joint management of snapper stocks with the South Atlantic Council, the review of processes from other Regional Fishery Management Councils, and the plan to engage the Council Coordinating Committee on a national issue all exemplify the partnerships needed to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the actions described in the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield.
   • Explanation: This target is addressed through multiple actions. The article notes that stock assessments for mutton, yellowtail, and red grouper show they are “not overfished or experiencing overfishing.” The Council is actively setting and adjusting catch limits for red grouper and shallow-water grouper complexes based on scientific advice to prevent overfishing.
2. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
   • Explanation: The Council’s work on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) directly relates to this target. The article states the Council is updating “descriptions and maps of EFH using contemporary research” to protect “waters and substrate necessary for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth of species.”
3. Target 14.b: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
   • Explanation: The Council is addressing access to fisheries through two key actions. First, the extension of the moratorium on new commercial shrimp permits is a tool to manage access and promote stability. Second, the proposal for a pilot program to “set aside a portion of the commercial red grouper quota and distribute it in a manner that aids new entrants in the IFQ fishery” is a direct measure to provide access to new participants.
4. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Explanation: The entire article is an account of the Council’s efforts to sustainably manage a natural resource. The development of a “Gulf Fishery Ecosystem Plan,” the implementation of catch limits, and the use of tools like venting devices to reduce waste (release mortality) are all actions aimed at the sustainable and efficient use of marine fisheries.
5. Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.
   • Explanation: The article provides a clear example of this target through the “joint Gulf Reef Fish Amendment 55 / South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Amendment 44.” This joint effort between the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils to manage shared stocks of mutton and yellowtail snapper demonstrates policy coherence between regional governing bodies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator 14.4.1 (Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels): This is directly referenced in the article. The results of stock assessments for mutton, yellowtail, and red grouper, which found the stocks are “not overfished or experiencing overfishing,” serve as a direct measurement for this indicator.
• Implied Indicator – Status of Essential Fish Habitats: The action of updating “descriptions and maps of EFH” based on the “best scientific information available” is an implied indicator of progress towards protecting marine ecosystems (Target 14.2). The completion and implementation of these updated maps would be a measurable outcome.
• Implied Indicator – Implementation of Catch Limits and Allocations: The article specifies quantitative management measures that serve as indicators for sustainable management (Target 12.2). These include the “total annual catch limit increases” for red grouper, the specific “68.2% commercial and 31.8% recreational sector allocations,” and the establishment of recreational annual catch targets set below the annual catch limit.
• Implied Indicator – Access Programs for Fishers: For Target 14.b, the creation of a “pilot program to set aside a portion of the commercial red grouper quota” for “new entrants” is a specific, measurable action. The portion of quota set aside and the number of new entrants supported by the program would be key performance indicators.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: theoutdoorwire.com