Council Seeks Public Input on Proposed Management Measures for Black Sea Bass and Snapper Grouper Management Complex
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on management measures proposed for Black Sea Bass and the composition of the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Unit (FMU). Public hearings via webinar are scheduled for measures proposed in Regulatory Amendment 37 addressing Black Sea Bass management. The Council is also requesting public input via online scoping on whether 17 species currently in the FMU continue to need federal conservation and management.
During public scoping the public can provide comments, make suggestions, or raise concerns early in the process as management options are being developed. Public hearings are held after management options have been narrowed down and a draft amendment outlining management alternatives, along with analyses, is developed.
Black Sea Bass – Regulatory Amendment 37 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan
The Council is developing Regulatory Amendment 37 to quickly address the continuing decline in the Black Sea Bass stock in the South Atlantic. The amendment aims to reduce harvest and regulatory discards and protect the spawning stock. Public hearings via webinar will be held on November 3rd and November 12th.
Additionally, an online public comment form will be available Monday, October 27, 2025, through November 14, 2025. Members of the public may also comment in person or online during the Council’s December 8-12, 2025, meeting. Details on measures proposed in Regulatory Amendment 37 will be available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/events/nov-2025-public-hearings-snapper-grouper-regulatory-amendment-37/.
The regulatory amendment proposes the following for Black Sea Bass:
- Recreational and commercial annual catch targets (ACTs) set at 50% of the average landings from 2019-2023. The Council would reconsider the ACTs and associated measures two years after implementation. The annual catch limits would remain in place, but harvest would be limited to the ACTs.
- A spawning season closure for both commercial and recreational sectors during February and March each year.
- A reduction in the recreational bag limit from 7 fish to 2 fish per person per day.
- Additionally, the amendment considers a reduction to the recreational minimum size limit. After initial discussions, the Council is currently proposing to maintain the 13-inch minimum size limit.
The Council will review public comments on the measures proposed in Regulatory Amendment 37 during its December 2025 meeting and is scheduled to approve the amendment for submission to the Secretary of Commerce. Additional actions for Black Sea Bass based on ongoing revisions to the latest stock assessment will be considered through Amendment 56 to the Snapper Grouper FMP.
Black Sea Bass Public Hearings – Via webinar beginning at 6 p.m.
During the webinars, Council staff will provide an overview of management measures proposed in Regulatory Amendment 37 and answer any clarifying questions. Formal public comment will then take place. Written comments may also be submitted using the online public comment form. Register now for the webinar and receive email reminders as the date approaches.
Monday, November 3, 2025 – webinar registration
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 – webinar registration
Scoping for Snapper Grouper Amendment 61
Need for conservation and management of 17 species in the Snapper Grouper Management Unit
Public scoping is being conducted to obtain input on whether 17 species in the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Unit should remain, be removed, or be designated ecosystem component species. The FMU currently contains 55 species. Species being considered are Misty Grouper, Margate, Sailor’s Choice, Tomtate, White Grunt, Bar Jack, Jolthead Porty, Knobbed Porgy, Saucereye Porgy, Scup, Whitebone Porgy, Banded Rudderfish, Blackfin Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Queen Snapper, Atlantic Spadefish, and Sand Tilefish.
Additional details, including the online public comment form and background documents, will be available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/events/nov-2025-public-scoping-snapper-grouper-amendment-61/.
Online scoping comments will be accepted beginning Monday, October 27th through November 14, 2025.
