South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Snapper Grouper Amendment 18B

Amendment Summary

Limited participation and effort in the golden tilefish commercial sector through the establishment of a longline endorsement; modified trip limits; specified allocations for gear groups (75% longline and 25% hook and line).

Amendment documents

Implemented Regulations

  • Limited golden tilefish effort through a golden tilefish longline endorsement program: distribute golden tilefish longline endorsements to SG permit holders that qualify under the eligibility requirements.
  • To recieve a GT longline endorsement the individual must have an average of 5,000 lbs gw GT caught (with longline gear) for the best 3 years within the period 2006 through 2011.
  • A period of 90 days will be set aside to accept appeals to the GT endorsement program starting on the effective date of this amendment.
  • Allocated 75% of the commercial ACL to the longline gear sector and 25% to the hook and line sector.
  • Allowed transferability of GT longline endorsement.
  • Removed the 300 lb gw trip limit when 75% of the ACL is harvested.
  • Established a trip limit of 500 lbs gw for the GT component of the SG fishery for commercial fishermen who do not receive a longline endorsement. Vessels with GT longline endorsement are not eligible to fish under this trip limit with other gear. 
  • Final approval
  • Implementation
  • Pre-scoping
  • Public hearing
  • Rule making
  • Scoping
  • Secretarial review
Species Affected