September 27, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
WHAT/WHEN:
The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic is reduced from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to 500 pounds gutted weight, effective 12:01 a.m. (local time) October 2, 2017.
WHY IS THIS TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:
- NOAA Fisheries has determined 75 percent of the July-December commercial quota has been landed.
- The commercial vermilion snapper trip limit is reduced when 75 percent of the July-December quota is reached in federal waters of the South Atlantic.
DURING THE TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION:
- The 500-pound gutted weight trip limit applies to vessels with a South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper Permit fishing for vermilion snapper in or from federal waters in the South Atlantic region.
- The 500-pound gutted weight trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current July-December 2017 fishing season or until the quota is reached and vermilion snapper closes, whichever occurs first.
Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.