February 6, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
KEY MESSAGE:
NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Regulatory Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Regulatory Amendment 30). This final rule revises the rebuilding schedule for red grouper based on the most recent population assessment, extends protections to red grouper during spawning season in federal waters off North Carolina and South Carolina, and establishes a commercial trip limit.
WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:
Regulations will be effective March 9, 2020.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR RED GROUPER:
- The final rule revises the rebuilding schedule for red grouper to 10 years, which is equal the maximum time period allowed to rebuild. The rebuilding schedule begins in 2019 and ends in 2028.
- The final rule extends both the commercial and recreational red grouper spawning season closures (January through April) through the month of May, in federal waters off North Carolina and South Carolina.
- The final rule establishes a commercial trip limit for red grouper harvested in the South Atlantic federal waters of 200 pounds gutted weight.
FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 85 FR 6825, published February 6, 2020.