South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Snapper Grouper Amendment 53

Amendment Summary

Purpose of Amendment: Respond to the latest stock assessment (SEDAR 71). Gag are overfished and undergoing overfishing. The Council is required to establish a rebuilding plan and adjust catch levels and management measures to end overfishing.

Action Summary: Establish a rebuilding plan, adjust catch levels, sector allocations, management measures for the commercial and recreational sectors, and accountability measures (AM).

Key Events

  • June 2021: Plan amendment initiated.
  • September 2021: NMFS provides additional clarification on the timeframe for rebuilding.
  • October 2021: Snapper Grouper AP input.
  • December 2021: Requested additional rebuilding probability. projections from the SSC approved for scoping.
  • February 2022: Scoping meetings February 1, 2, and 3.
  • April 2022: Snapper Grouper AP input.
  • September 2022: approved for public hearings.
  • December: Reviewed SG AP feedback, and selected preferred alternatives.
  • January 10 and 11, 2023: Webinar public hearing conducted. 
  • March 2023: Reviewed public hearing comments, reviewed draft rationale, approved all actions and approved amendment for formal review.
  • May 2023: Amendment submitted.
  • September 2023: Amendment approved (9/8/23)

Most recent amendment documents

  • Final approval
  • Implementation
  • Pre-scoping
  • Public hearing
  • Rule making
  • Scoping
  • Secretarial review

Staff Contact