NOAA Decision Pending on Oculina Bank Shrimp Trawling
A pivotal federal decision is pending on whether to reopen sections of the Oculina Bank, a rare deep-water coral reef off Florida’s Atlantic coast, to shrimp trawling. Scientists and conservationists oppose reopening because of past trawling damage, while some in…
West Palm Beach Fort Pierce, FL, October 20, 2026 —
A federal decision is pending on whether sections of the Oculina Bank, a rare deep-water coral reef off Florida’s Atlantic coast, should be reopened to shrimp trawling. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will make the final determination.
The proposal has drawn opposition from scientists and conservationists, who point to past damage to the reef from trawling. Some members of the shrimp industry, by contrast, advocate for access to fishing grounds they describe as historically important.
The dispute centers on whether shrimp trawling should again be allowed in parts of the reef area. The information available does not specify which sections are under consideration, when NOAA is expected to decide, or what process will precede the agency’s determination.
The competing positions reflect different concerns about the area: those opposing a reopening cite the reef’s past damage from trawling, while industry advocates emphasize access to historically important grounds. No further details about the groups or individuals involved, their arguments, or proposed boundaries were provided.
NOAA’s decision remains pending. The agency’s final determination will resolve whether the sections at issue are reopened to shrimp trawling. The timing of the decision and any conditions that might accompany it have not been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Kate Hussey on www.wptv.com, see more information here.
