South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Snapper Grouper Amendment 8

Amendment Summary

Limited initial eligibility for commercial snapper grouper fishery, granted both transferable and non-transferable permits, modified management definitions, expanded habitat responsibilities, and made changes to various management measures.

Amendment documents

Implemented Regulations

  • Established a limited entry SG com permit with the following criteria: vessels that can demonstrate any landings of SG species in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996 (as of 8/20/96) and a valid SG grouper permit any time during the period from 2/11/96 – 2/11/97.
  • Vessels landings at least 1,000 lbs of SG species in any of these years receive a transferable permit (unlimited permit). All other vessels receive a non-transferable permit limited to 225 lb trip limit. To obtain an unlimited purchase, one must purchase 2 permits and then retire one (2 for 1).
  • Redefined overfishing as 20% SPR and optimum yield as 40% SPR.
  • Allowed the use of one bait net up to 50ft long by 10ft high with a stretched mesh size of 1.5″ or smaller. Allow one net per boat, and also allow possession and use of cast nets for catching bait.
  • Species within SG caught in Bahamian waters in accordance with Bahamian law may be possessed aboard a vessel in the SA EEZ and landed in the US provided the vessel is in transit from the Bahamas and valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permit are onboard