South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 37

Amendment Summary

Black Sea Bass Management Measures

Purpose of the Amendment: Address the depleted status of black sea bass in the South Atlantic immediately with management measures aimed at reducing harvest and regulatory discards and protecting the spawning stock. 

Action Summary: Establish annual catch targets and revise commercial accountability measures (as needed) for each sector; reduce recreational minimum size limit; reduce recreational bag limit; establish spawning season closure for both sectors.

Key Events:

  • June 2025: Council initiated work on the amendment (see Amendment 56 for earlier relevant discussions and developments) 

Amendment documents

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

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