Science & SEDAR
The Council is required to use the best scientific information available to develop fishery management plans and amendments. The Council considers models, evaluations, reports, datasets, comments from advisory panels, and public input to guide their science-based decisions.
Stock Assessment Models
Stock assessment models are used to estimate the impact of fishing on the species or stocks being evaluated. SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) is the cooperative process for conducting stock assessments in NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region (South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean). SEDAR was initiated to improve the planning and coordination of stock assessment activities and to improve the quality and reliability of assessments.
Ecosystem Models
Councils are encouraged to use tools to incorporate ecosystem-level factors into management. An ecosystem model (Ecopath with Ecosim; EWE) for the South Atlantic region was first developed in 2001 and refined to address specific management questions (Okey and Pugliese 2001, Gentry et al. 2021, Gentry et al. in prep). In 2021, the Council used this model to explore the potential impacts of high Red Snapper recruitment on other species in the region. Currently, the model is being updated to streamline the number of species it includes and integrate a spatial component to determine changes in the distribution and abundance of Black Sea Bass in the South Atlantic region (anticipated results by April 2025).
Okey, T. A., and R. Pugliese. “A preliminary Ecopath model of the Atlantic continental shelf adjacent to the southeastern United States.” Fisheries Impacts on North Atlantic Ecosystems: Models and Analyses. Fisheries Centre Research Reports 9.4 (2001): 167-181.
Management Strategy Evaluations
Management strategy evaluations can assist the Council to determine which management strategy or strategies can best achieve the desired performance from a fishery. MSEs can explore the impact of management strategies for a single species (Dolphin MSE) or multiple species (SAFMC Snapper Grouper MSE).
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports
SAFE reports include information necessary to establish annual catch limits (ACL), track trends or changes in the resource, ecosystem, and fishery, and evaluate state and federal Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). SAFE reports include details on stock status, recommended catch levels, projections of future catch (if applicable), sector-specific landings, releases, social and economic trends, and essential fish habitat.
Research and Monitoring Plan
The Council develops research priorities for fisheries, fisheries interactions, habitats, and important research areas that are necessary for effective management. Working closely with the Scientific and Statistical Committee and other advisory groups, the Council revises its research and monitoring plan every two years. The plan is then submitted to the NOAA Southeast Regional Office and Southeast Fishery Science Center. This collaborative effort aims to identify data gaps and guide research efforts in the region to inform management decisions.
Partners and Data Resources
Stock Status Reports
Reports the current stock status (overfished and/or overfishing) for stock nationwide.
FOSS
Fishery one-stop shop for commercial and recreational datasets.
Stock SMART Tool
Repository for stock assessments.