SFA 7 OPENING
July 10, 2026
SFA 7 is opening today, July 10, the first time since the closure of the shrimp fishery in that area in 2015.
While the quota remains low, the inshore shrimp fleet is eager to begin fishing in that area.
The TAC for SFA 7 is 1,641 t. The inshore fleet receives 67.5%, which is 898.1 t. At that quota level, 3L and 3Ks shrimp fleets have access at 85% and 15%, respectively. As the quota increases, other inshore fleets will re-enter as per the sharing arrangement that was in place at the quota levels when the fishery was open previously.
Fishing plans:
The 3L committee has set a cap for SFA 7 at 90,000 lb, plus 10,000 lb tolerance, for a total cap of 100,000 lb.
The 3Ks committee has decided to open the allocation on a first come, first served basis. To participate in the SFA 7 fishery, harvesters must hail in with the FFAW prior to departure for SFA 7 by calling Julian Ryan at 709-732-2515. There are 5 trips of 60,000 lb available, and a harvester can make more than one trip.
SFA 6 and SFA 7 can be fished in the same trip provided an at-sea observer is aboard.
Trip limits remain in place.