May 12, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA:
WHAT/WHEN:The commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m. on May 17, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of vermilion snapper in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational fishery is open.WHY IS THIS CLOSURE HAPPENING:
- The 2017 January – June commercial catch limit is 431,460 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are approaching the commercial catch limit and harvest should close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.
AFTER THE CLOSURE:The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper. The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for vermilion snapper does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on May 17, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
The second vermilion snapper season in the South Atlantic will open on July 1, 2017, with a 431,460 pounds whole weight catch limit, and a 1,100-pound whole weight or 1,000-pound gutted weight trip limit.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or by clicking here.