July 6, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for Amendment 36 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 36). The actions in Amendment 36 and the final rule will implement spawning special management zones (SMZ) to protect spawning, or reproducing, fish and their habitat.
WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:
- Regulations will be effective July 31, 2017
WHAT THIS MEANS:
The final rule for Amendment 36 will implement the following management measures:
- Implement five spawning SMZs in federal waters of the South Atlantic region off North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida (see map and coordinates below).
- Inside of the spawning SMZs, fishing for, retention, and possession of fish species in the snapper-grouper complex will be prohibited year-round by all fishers.
- Anchoring inside all the spawning SMZs, except Area 51 and Area 53 off South Carolina, will be prohibited.
- Transit through the spawning SMZs with snapper-grouper species onboard will be allowed if gear is properly stowed.
- Most spawning SMZs would automatically go away in 10 years unless they are reauthorized.
- Modify the SMZ procedure in the fishery management plan to allow for the designation of spawning SMZs. In addition, modify the framework procedure to allow spawning SMZs to be established or modified through the framework process, rather than through plan amendments.
- Move the existing Charleston Deep Artificial Reef Marine Protected Area to match the boundaries of the permitted site.
NOTE: For a list of coordinates for each Spawning SMZ and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please see the complete Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.
View this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries by visiting the website at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/index.html.