Snapper Grouper Amendment 17A
Amendment Summary
Required use of non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing for snapper grouper species with hook-and-line gear north of 28 deg. N latitude in the South Atlantic EEZ. For red snapper: specified an annual catch limit (ACL), accountability measure (AM) and management measures, a rebuilding plan, status determination criteria, and a monitoring program. Established an area closure for snapper grouper species to address red snapper stock status.
Amendment documents
Implemented Regulations
- Established a rebuilding plan for red snapper starting in 2010, lasting 35 years and ending in 2044.
- Established a rebuilding strategy of 98%F30%SPR, ACL =0 in year 1 and OY proxy values at the equilibrium of 2,425,000 lbs ww, track the CPUE of red snapper via a fishery-independent monitoring program to track changes in biomass and take action to end overfishing if the assessment indicates progress is not being made.
- Allowed fishing for, harvest and possession of SG species with the exception of red snapper in the closed area if fish were harvested with black sea bass pots, allowed fishing for harvest and possession of SG species with the exception in the closed area if fish were harvested with spearfishing gear. Prohibition does not apply to persons aboard a vessel that is in transit with SG species on board with gear appropriately stowed.
- Established a closed area from depths of 98-120ft.
- Required the use of non-stainless steel, and non-offset circle hoks when fishing for or possessing SG species with hook & line gear north of 28 degrees N Lat.
- Established a fishery-independent monitoring program to track the progress of red snapper rebuilding. Sampling will include the deployment of gear such as chevron traps, cameras, and H&L at randomly selected stations.
- Final approval
- Implementation
- Pre-scoping
- Public hearing
- Rule making
- Scoping
- Secretarial review