South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Snapper Grouper Amendment 60

Amendment Summary

Commercial SG1 Permit and Trip Efficiency

Purpose of Amendment: The amendment has two main objectives: 1) to address issues related to the commercial Snapper Grouper Unlimited (SG 1) permit, and 2) to increase commercial trip efficiency. 

Action Summary: Revise the 2-for-1 snapper grouper commercial unlimited permit policy; establish dynamic (step-down) trip limits; and revise existing stowage requirements for gear on board. 

Key Events: 

  • March 2025: The Council initiated work on the amendment. 
  • June 2025: The Council approved the amendment for scoping. 
  • July 25 to August 8: scoping period. Comments solicited online. 
  • September 2025: Review public comment and refine actions. AP to receive update in fall 2025 and provide recommendations on proposed actions in Spring 2026. 
  • December 2025: Further defined actions and alternatives; revised the timeline to have a draft amendment for consideration of public hearing approval in June 2026. 
  • March 2026: Further developed actions and alternatives. 

Most recent amendment document

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

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