Snapper Grouper Amendment 61
Amendment Summary
Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Unit Revision
Purpose of the Amendment: Evaluate whether 17 species currently in the FMU should remain, be removed, or be designated as ecosystem component species. Note: this amendment supersedes an earlier proposed amendment to specify ABCs for unassessed snapper grouper species.
Action Summary: To determine the need for conservation and management of 17 snapper grouper species.
Ecosystem Component Species: species that is included in a fishery management plan to address ecosystem management objectives but does not require management measures such as annual catch limits, restrictive retention limits, or size limits.
Key Events:
- March 2025: The Council initiated work on the amendment.
- September 2025: Council approved the amendment for scoping.
- December 2025: Council reviewed scoping and AP comments, draft ecosystem management objectives for EC species, and requested additional information before further developing the amendment.
- March 2026: Council reviewed draft purpose and need statements. Narrowed down the scope of species considered in the amendment to 14.
- June 2026: Council approved the draft purpose and need statements and actions for inclusion in the amendment. The Council also gave direction to staff to prepare the amendment for consideration of approval for public hearings at the December 2026 meeting.
- September 2026: Reviewed amendment and postponed approval for public hearing to March 2027.
Amendment documents
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Council staff and the Council identify issues and develop actions and alternatives.
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The Council takes public comment on the draft amendment.
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The Council votes to approve the amendment and send it to NOAA Fisheries.
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NOAA Fisheries reviews the amendment and publishes proposed and final rules, with public comment periods.
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The final rule is in effect.