Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 40
Re-Opening of Seasonal Nearshore Closed Areas to Black Sea Bass Pots Equipped with On-Demand Gear Retrieval Systems
Amendment Summary
Purpose of Amendment: Evaluate the re-opening of seasonal nearshore closed areas to on-demand black sea bass pots and modify the commercial trip limit for pots.
Action Summary: allow pots with on-demand gear to fish in the nearshore seasonal closed areas.
Key Events:
- March 2026: Amendment initiated.
- June 2026: Removed consideration of trip limit reduction and adjusted timeline to approve for public hearings in December 2026 and consider for final approval in March 2027.
Most recent amendment document
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The Council identifies management needs and develop actions and alternatives.
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The Council facilitates a designated public comment opportunity 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.